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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Samuel McManus & Alahna Kindred

Kate Middleton 'likes William in uniform' as he dresses up for St Patrick's Day

Kate Middleton likes to see her husband Prince William in uniform, a royal correspondent has said.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently went to visit Mons Barracks in Aldershot to greet the Irish Guards at their annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

Prince William, 39, was dressed in his uniform for his honorary position as Colonel of the Irish Guards, the red version of which he wore to his wedding in 2011.

Royal expert Jennie Bond told OK!: "I think Kate probably likes William in his uniform, he wore his red Irish Guards officer uniform for his wedding."

Discussing the engagement in detail, Jennie analysed: "William and Kate always look so relaxed in their work.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a St Patrick's Day Parade in Aldershot (Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)

"We are seeing the structure of their future lives, the routine, the pattern, the annual events that they will attend.

"I remember The Queen Mother presenting shamrock year after year, it was one of her favourite engagements.

"She would always stay too long chatting so would always be late to her next appointment. I can imagine it's one of William and Kate's favourites too, they always look to be enjoying themselves."

Kate went to the parade with her husband Prince William (REX/Shutterstock)
Kate speaks to a child during the parade (REX/Shutterstock)

She continued: "There was lots of smiling and informality as well as the formality of the engagement. Kate is always dropping down to her knees to speak to children or older people in wheelchairs, she's very engaging.

"They're increasingly skilled and experienced at what they do. I can't think of a recent engagement where they've looked unhappy or not relaxed. They have cracked bringing a measure of lightness to the most formal engagement."

Jennie, 71, explained how the annual event has a deeper meaning for the couple, and in particular William.

It was the first time Kate attended the parade since the pandemic (REX/Shutterstock)
The annual event has a deeper meaning for the couple (REX/Shutterstock)

She said: "It's a chance to pay tribute to a section of the military and William is very proud of his military service although it wasn't active service.

"I think, particularly now when the world feels like it's on the brink of war, it's important to show royal support for the military. I think William and Kate will be the main figures of the ceremony for years to come."

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The couple's visit was the first time Prince William and Kate have been able to attend the event in two years, with the celebrating called off in 2021 due to the pandemic and the parade cancelled in 2020 due to most of the regiment being deployed overseas.

This year, the couple picked back up their annual tradition of presenting the gift of sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen who then distribute them across the rank.

This is a 121-year tradition, usually carried out by a female member of the royal family, which began in 1901 with Queen Alexander, and for many years the Queen Mother performed the duty, followed by Princess Anne.

This year, Kate took on the responsibility of presenting the regiment's mascot, an Irish wolfhound called Domhnall, with his very own shamrock.

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