KATE Middleton shared a touching video to celebrate the work of the Irish Guards ahead of their St Patrick’s Day Parade.
The Princess of Wales, who is honorary colonel of the regiment, sat out today’s celebrations as she recovers from surgery.
Lady Ghika, wife of the regiment’s Major General Sir Chris Ghika, stood in at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hants.
Members from the Irish Guards gave three cheers to absent Kate– raising their bearskin helmets into the air as a mark of respect.
In a video of rehearsals shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales‘ Instagram, the royals said: “Happy St Patrick’s Day!.
“Here’s a sneak peak of the Irish Guards rehearsing for their annual parade.
“Sláinte to all those celebrating today!”
The video featured proud members of The Micks saying the parade unites the Household Division regiment.
Lt. Conor Meadows added: “When we’re deployed overseas for so much of the year, to bring that all together on one day per year is very special.”
Dressed in a plum coat dress, Lady Ghika presented the regiment’s mascot, Seamus the Irish Wolfhound, with a shamrock, as is tradition at the parade.
The 2023 St Patrick’s Day celebration was Kate’s first as honorary colonel, after taking over from Prince William in the role.
She beamed in a turquoise coat and sipped Guinness after paying an emotional tribute to William.
She said: “I really couldn’t be prouder to stand in front of you here today.
“It really is a true honour to be your Colonel. I am here to listen to you, to support you, and to champion you in all you do – this is a responsibility I do not take lightly.
“I look forward to spending more time with you and your families, seeing your commitment to duty and service in all you do.
“Before I close, however, I want to thank Colonel William. He has always talked about his fierce pride for this Regiment.
“I know he will continue to support us all in the work we do.”
The Prince of Wales previously said that being Colonel of the Irish Guards was one of the “great honours of my life”.
I really couldn’t be prouder to stand in front of you here today
Princess Kate, 2023
The couple have been the victim of unfair conspiracy rumours and shameful speculation following the release of the edited photo.
Friends of the couple told The Sunday Times that the couple were fully aware of the news coverage and outlandish conspiracy theories on social media.
An insider reportedly said that speculation around their marriage was “cruel”.
One conspiracy theory spreading was that the couple had split with Kate not wearing her wedding ring in the edited photo.
However, Kate doesn’t always wear her engagement ring – the iconic diamond and sapphire band once worn by Princess Diana.
The Princess of Wales was said to be “very sad” that the sweet photograph had triggered a global furore.
Photoshop saga
Kate is believed to have altered the image three times on a computer before it was posted on social media on Sunday.
Inspection of the original image revealed it was taken on a Canon camera with a 50mm lens.
It had been edited three times on Adobe Photoshop — once on Friday evening and twice on Saturday.
Royal enthusiasts had questioned why Kate wasn’t wearing her wedding ring in the Mother’s Day snap and noticed her other hand was blurry.
Others said daughter Charlotte’s cardigan sleeve seemed to disappear and her skirt was fuzzy.
Some claimed there seemed to be an odd cut in a nearby skirting board.
And in a colour-corrected and lightened version of the image, Kate’s zip appears not to line up.
She apologised on Monday, saying: “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.
“I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused.”
