Kate Attends the St. Patrick's Day Parade

This is, without a doubt, one of the most popular events of the year—Kate’s appearance at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In years past, William was the Colonel of Irish Guards, and Kate accompanied him and handed out the shamrocks. But in 2022, Kate was promoted to Colonel of the Regiment, and William was made Colonel of the Welsh Guards. This shift has made her St. Patrick’s Day appearances all the more exciting!

The Princess chose a coat she has worn before but that we didn’t get a very good look at. This is the dark green bespoke McQueen that Kate wore in Boston. The lighting for that event wasn’t great for most shots, and it was difficult to get a full length view. So it was fun to see it today in all its detail. The Princess paired the coat with an almost perfectly matching scarf and this Lock & Co. hat she wore to St. Patrick’s Day in 2019. I think she got the tilt of the hat better today, so I like this wear more than the first!

Kate’s hair was a work of art. I saw some people on social media hypothesizing that the design was meant to look like a Celtic knot. Whether or not that is what she was going for, it was certainly a different look than her usual updo, and it was really a show-stopping look.

The entire outfit was beautiful, and I was especially delighted to see that Kate chose Kiki McDonough earrings for the day. These are her tourmalines and green amethysts—the perfect choice for St. Patrick’s Day.

As part of her visit, Kate chatted with members of the regiment in the sergeants’ mess, where she enjoyed a Guinness. The Times reported that Kate discussed Australia and travel with a corporal from Australia:

She said: “I loved our trip to Australia. George always finds it fascinating that he has been to Australia and New Zealand.

“I would like to go back there with them now. It’s finding time to do that. But I love to travel — yes, it’s a long flight. But I love the Middle East because that’s familiar to me [from] growing up. There are so many opportunities now to travel. I think it’s brilliant to experience it.

“We tend to go further afield when it’s official visits; it’s being able to carve out time to experience these countries in a more private capacity. Because otherwise you end up seeing lots of insides of amazing buildings but you don’t get to meet that many people.

“It’s making sure that you can combine a bit of work with the children. I might see you down there!”

It’s not clear to me if that’s a suggestion that the Waleses will make a formal visit to Australia or if she is hoping to get there in a private capacity. Either way, it is interesting to hear her discuss private v. official travel, and the trade-offs.

It would be very exciting if William and Kate decided to undertake a royal tour in the summer or the fall. Time will tell soon enough…

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I will note briefly, and I am sure you already know, that William and Kate attended the Six Nations Rugby match in Cardiff on Saturday. Kate was super chic in a new (to us) McQueen coat, turtleneck, and Gianvito Rossi heeled boots (she wore her Ralph Lauren’s today). Her hair was glamorously styled in long, wavy curls. I know a lot of people want her to cut her hair, but it looked gorgeous on Saturday!

Kate is on a roll with these stylish winter looks. Both of these ensembles were really big hits in my book, and it is fun to see that—despite the design similarities in the coats—other elements can make the looks so distinct.

Wishing you a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day!