Kate Middleton broke 121-year royal tradition on St Patricks Day
Kate Middleton broke a 121-year tradition in the Royal family on St Patrick's Day.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 40, was all-smiles as she attended the annual parade at the Mons Barracks in Aldershot on Thursday, March 17.
Wearing a sprig of shamrock and lots of tiny nods to the special celebration, Kate was fulfilling her duty as a female member of the Royal Family taking part in the ceremony.
But one year, in 2016, the mum-of-three opted to bow out of the major engagement, as she chose to be with her children George and Charlotte, now eight and six, instead.
While 2022 was the first time the Duke and Duchess have attended the parade since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic due to restrictions, Prince William attended alone six years ago.
Taking on the duty traditionally held by a female member, he presented the gift of sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen.
The officers then distributed them across the ranks of 450 members of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards at Hounslow Cavalry Barracks.
What's more, Kate, who has followed in the footsteps of royals such as Queen Alexandra, the Queen Mother and Princess Anne by taking on the duty, normally presents the regiment's Irish wolfhound mascot Domhnall with his own spring of shamrock.
While the Royal's absence disappointed soldiers and fans across the board in 2016, they understood her decision to remain at home with her children and said they were "conscious that she has family commitments," according to Express.co.uk.
The soldiers were reportedly "ecstatic" to have their Colonel present the honours instead.
2022's St Patrick's Day parade was a glorious return to tradition that saw both Kate and William supporting the ceremony with bells on.
The Duchess wore a stunning emerald green buttoned-up coat and matching hat for the occasion, and pinned a shamrock badge and sprig on the fabric.
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She also wore emerald green drop earrings and a pair of suede matching heels, while future King of England William looked dapper in his traditional military attire.
The Royal couple had plenty of fun taking part in the activities and doing their duty, also playing games and sharing laughter with the soldiers.
Kate appeared thrilled to be getting back to the traditional duty after two years in lockdown.
George VI, Earl Alexander of Tunis, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the Earl of Cavan and Prince Edward have all taken part in the ceremony on rare occasions in the past.
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