Every March 17, Princess Kate has a regular appointment that she never misses. As a colonel in the Irish Guard, St. Patrick’s Day is one of those commitments she has been honoring for years, with all that it entails—green, shamrocks, an Irish wolfhound, and a pint of Guinness at the end.
This year, the venue was the Mons Barracks in Aldershot, where she arrived on time. Her outfit was exactly as you would expect, but with a twist.
What Kate Middleton wore at the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day parade
She chose an Alexander McQueen coat that she had already worn in 2023, featuring a double-breasted design, classic lapels, and a midi length. This time, she added a black belt, which significantly changed the look of the outfit compared to previous occasions.
Black was repeated in her boots, scarf, and earrings, the latter featuring diamonds and small emeralds that were a perfect fit for the occasion.
The headdress that topped off the look is already ten years old, a choice that comes as no surprise for Kate, as thoughtfully reusing pieces is part of her signature style.
Kate’s day with the soldiers of the Irish Guard
The day’s schedule followed the usual routine. A senior officer pinned a bouquet of shamrocks to her coat, and she handed out more shamrocks to the soldiers and also placed one on the Irish wolfhound, the regiment’s mascot.
After the parade, where she received the ceremonial salute as a colonel, she presented medals to members of the unit for years of service and good conduct, and then met with everyone for the official photos.
The most relaxed part came later, in the dining room, where she spent time with the soldiers and their families.
Did Kate drink Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day this year?
Here’s the detail that generated the most discussion. The pint of Guinness is a tradition almost as established as the green coat; Kate usually buys a round and toasts with the soldiers at the end of the day. But this time, she only took a small sip.
She had explained this herself a few days earlier, during a visit to Borough Market with William. While he was sampling ciders and beers, she ordered a soft drink and explained that she has cut her alcohol intake to a minimum since her cancer treatment.