Just weeks before she is due to give birth, Kate Middletonattended the St. Patrick's Day parade at Mons Barracks, Aldershot, home to the 1stBattalion Irish Guards on Tuesday. Seemingly her final engagement before goingon maternity leave, the pregnant Duchess was joined by her husband Prince William,who is attending in his capacity as the colonel of the regiment.
Kate, who has attended with William for the past three years,stuck to a tradition started in 1901 by Queen Alexandra, the wife of EdwardVII, and handed out shamrocks to guardsmen. Going against tradition, Katedonned a brown Catherine Walker coat as opposed to the customory green. She pairedthe stylish coat with a hat by Lock & Co and, of course, a gold shamrockbroach that once belonged to Queen Alexandra.
The royal couple was first taken to the officers' mess for aprivate visit and greeted by 200 guardsmen. They also viewed the annual St. Patrick's Day parade and even presented the IrishGuards' official mascot, an Irish wolfhound, a shamrock. Will and Kate, whohold the Irish title of Baron and Lady Carrickfergus, also enjoyed a private luncheon with the officers after the march.
Kate, who is already the mother to Prince George, has been keeping busy in the final weeks of her pregnancy making several appearances including a visit to the set of Downton Abbeyand the seaside town of Margate.