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St Patrick's Day: Duchess of Cambridge hands out shamrock

PA Wire/Andrew Matthews Duchess of Cambridge at St Patricks Day ceremonyPA Wire/Andrew Matthews
Shamrock is traditionally distributed to members of the Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day

The Duchess of Cambridge has presented shamrock to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards as part of the traditional St Patrick's Day Parade.

She was accompanied by her husband the Duke of Cambridge for the ceremony at the regiment's Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire.

The duke is honorary colonel of the Irish Guards.

It is the first time the royal couple have attended the event since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Last year the royal couple released a St Patrick's Day greeting on social media.

During the ceremony earlier, the duke took the salute during a march-past while his wife handed out sprigs of shamrock to members of the regiment.

The event dates back to the first regimental St Patrick's Day in 1901.

PA Wire/Andrew Matthews Duke and Duchess of CornwallPA Wire/Andrew Matthews
The Duke of Cambridge is honorary colonel of the Irish Guards
Chris Jackson Duke and Duchess of CambridgeChris Jackson
It is the first time the royal couple have attended the event since 2019
PA Wire/Andrew Matthews Duchess of Cambridge at St Patricks Day ceremonyPA Wire/Andrew Matthews
The Duchess of Cambridge handed out shamrock to members of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards
PA Wire/Andrew Matthews Duchess of Cambridge at St Patricks Day ceremonyPA Wire/Andrew Matthews
She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by the daughter of the regiment's commanding officer
Andrew Matthews Duchess of Cambridge at St Patricks Day ceremonyAndrew Matthews
The regimental mascot also received a sprig of shamrock
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