Kate Middleton is set to make a solo appearance at a significant event within days that she was unable to attend last year due to health issues.
It has been confirmed that she will be joining the Irish Guards for their annual St Patrick's Day parade on Monday (January 17). She will present long service and good conduct medals to soldiers and distribute traditional sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen.
The princess, who holds the title of colonel of the regiment, had to miss last year's celebrations following her cancer diagnosis and subsequent abdominal surgery.
The event, held at Wellington Barracks in London, will also feature the Irish Wolfhound, the regimental mascot. As colonel, Kate will salute during a march-past and engage with Irish Guards veterans as well as junior cadets from Northern Ireland, known affectionately as Mini Micks.
She will also visit the junior ranks' dining hall, where a senior guardsman will propose a toast in her honour, and mingle with families in the sergeants' mess. In 2023, Kate joined the Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day alongside Prince William at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, after assuming the role of colonel from her husband.
Last year the guardsmen gave three cheers for their absent colonel at the prestigious event. Catherine had previously written a letter to the guards to apologise for her inability to attend, penning: "Being your colonel remains a great honour and I am very sorry that I'm unable to take the salute at this year's Colonel's Review".
This announcement of Kate's upcoming engagement follows news that Prince William will embark on his first official overseas trip of the year next week, reports the Mirror. The Prince of Wales is set to visit Estonia in his capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment. His destination is the Tapa Army Base, where forces are positioned on NATO's front line as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression in the region.
This marks William's inaugural visit to Estonia, coinciding with major nations, including the UK, planning to increase their military spending in response to the shifting global order instigated by US President Donald Trump.
Additionally, Prince William will visit a school established by the Ministry of Education and Research of Estonia in May 2022 in response to the Ukrainian conflict. Here, the prince will engage with Ukrainian teachers to learn about their experiences at the school and their efforts in helping students adjust to life in Tallinn while prioritising their mental wellbeing.
The subsequent day will be spent at Tapa Army Base, where William, who previously served as an Army officer, will engage with Estonian soldiers and partake in a handover ceremony. This event marks the transition of duties from the Royal Dragoon Guards to the Mercian Regiment.
