© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have made their much-anticipated appearance at the St Patrick's Day parade in Aldershot. Stepping out on Thursday to celebrate the Irish saint, William and Kate's outing marked the first time they attended the parade since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Duchess, dressed suitably in green, joined William, who is Colonel of the Irish Guards, in visiting the 1st Battalion Irish Guards at Mons Barracks. The royals were tasked with presenting the traditional sprigs of shamrock to the officers and guardsmen, who in turn issued it along the ranks.
READ: Why William and Kate have previously missed St Patrick's Day events
Kate also had the honour of presenting the Irish Wolf Hound regimental mascot with his own sprig of shamrock. The parade then concluded with a march-past where William took the salute.
See the best photos from the day…
WATCH: Prince William and Kate celebrate St Patrick's Day
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess, 40, traditionally steps out in green on St Patrick's Day and this year she didn't disappoint fashion fans.
Kate looked typically elegant in a forest green belted coat by Laura Green London and a matching hat by Lock & Co. Fastened to her lapel, she wore a gold shamrock brooch.
READ: The real reason Kate Middleton loves wearing green
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© Photo: Getty ImagesA close-up look of the Duchess' elegant updo and emerald green earrings.
© Photo: RexThe royals were given a warm welcome from the Irish Guards as they arrived to bright sunshine on Thursday morning.
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© Photo: RexWilliam and Kate took it in turns to hand out sprigs of shamrock to the officers and guardsmen.
"Good morning, have some shamrock. Happy St Patrick's Day," the Duchess said.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess, who is an absolute dog-lover, had a sweet moment with the regiment's Irish Wolf Hound mascot as she presented him with a sprig of shamrock too.
The two-year-old dog, called Turlogh Mor, is also known as Seamus and was handled by drummer Adam Walsh.
© Photo: RexThe Duchess bent down to pin the shamrock to the regiment's mascot.
Drummer Adam later revealed of Kate: "She said, 'I hope I put the shamrock on right this time' and I helped her and we carried on.
"I was very excited as this was the first time in three years we have seen them.
"Seamus behaved himself. I was afraid he was going to let us down. I was more nervous than he was. But he was fantastic."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate gave the Irish Wolf Hound a pet before resuming her duties.
© Photo: RexThe mum-of-three was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers during the engagement from 20-month-old Gaia Money. The little girl stole the show as she then took both bouquets from Kate.
"Shall we swap? Now you have of both them," Kate told Gaia.
Gaia's dad Lt Col Rob Money placed his bearskin hat over adorable Gaia's head. "That's so sweet," Kate remarked. "Do you fit inside it?"
Mum Lorraine Money said afterwards: "The Duchess was lovely. Gaia took both bouquets and she let them keep them. Gaia has been practising her curtsey at nursery school but failed!
"I am from Jamaica and we spoke about Jamaica as they are going there next week."
© Photo: Getty ImagesGaia's grandmother Mary Money later revealed: "They both said about how much they are looking forward to Jamaica and Gaia is half Jamaican.
"They expressed regret as they had been unable to see the regiment for many years because they have been serving in Iraq snd South Sudan and Covid last year. So it was a great reunion."
© Photo: RexThe royals watched the parade, after which William, dressed in his Irish Guards uniform, took the salute.
© Photo: RexAfter the parade, William and Kate met members of the regiment before joining the officers, sergeants and Irish Guards for group photographs.
