The Princess of Wales ensured the Irish Guards received a special treat despite her absence from this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. As Colonel of the Irish Guards, she couldn’t raise a toast on the day, but reportedly left a generous sum behind the bar for them to enjoy pints of Guinness.
According to a source, Princess Kate contributed £2,000 towards a party at Aldershot after the customary parade. Additionally, to commemorate the occasion, Prince William and Princess Kate shared a heartfelt message along with a behind-the-scenes look at the Irish Guards’ preparations for their annual parade.
The Prince and Princess of Wales took to social media to extend their well-wishes, writing: “Happy St Patrick’s Day! Here’s a sneak peek of the Irish Guards rehearsing for their annual parade. Sláinte to all those celebrating today!”
This act offered a distinctive glimpse into the commitment and precision of the British soldiers as they prepared for the celebrations. This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, represented a notable departure as the Princess of Wales was absent for the first time in seven years.
Since marrying Prince William in 2011, the Princess has attended the parade almost every year, except for instances such as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year marked Kate’s inaugural attendance at the St. Patrick’s Day parade as Colonel of the Irish Guards, assuming the role from her husband, Prince William, who now serves as Colonel of the Welsh Guards.
Her ongoing recuperation from recent abdominal surgery necessitated her withdrawal from public engagements. Following her surgery on January 16, she spent 13 days in a private hospital.
While details of the Princess’ condition have not been disclosed, Kensington Palace previously clarified that it was unrelated to cancer and emphasized Kate’s desire to keep her personal medical information confidential.
The news of the bar tab emerged shortly after footage surfaced of Prince William and Kate leaving the Windsor Farm Shop near their residence, Adelaide Cottage, as reported by The Sun and TMZ.
In the footage, Kate, dressed in an Umbro hoodie and sports leggings, was seen conversing with Prince William while carrying a large white bag as they exited the store. Since her surgery, the Princess has been photographed only twice, once en route to a private appointment in London while William attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
