Soldiers from the Irish Guards came together at Mons Barracks in Aldershot yesterday to mark St Patrick's Day with a very special guest — their Colonel, The Princess of Wales.
Her Royal Highness, Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with soldiers during St Patrick’s Day celebrations at Mons Barracks.
A soldier receives Shamrock from Her Royal Highness Catherine, Princess of Wales during St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Marker of the Parade during St. Patricks day 2026.
Image of Shamrock decorated on soldier's ceremonial uniform.
Soldiers of Irish Guards take a group photo with Her Royal Highness, Catherine, Princess of Wales during St. Patrick's Day.
The celebration capped off an incredible year for the regiment, one packed with training, travel, and some truly impressive achievements.
A busy year of service
2025 was a big year for the Irish Guards. For eleven months, soldiers trained members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces as part of Operation Interflex. On top of that, more than 200 Irish Guardsmen were deployed on duties across thirteen different countries. That's a lot of miles — and a lot of hard work.
Leading the way with drones
The regiment is also at the cutting edge of modern warfare. The 1st Battalion now has over 80 trained drone operators, including 18 instructors. They've been building skills in areas like small flying drones, ground sensors, and new communication technology.
“St Patrick’s Day, especially when the Colonel of the Regiment is in attendance, is my favourite day in the Regimental calendar.
In July this year, the battalion will head to the Mojave Desert in the USA to take part in a major US-led exercise called Project Convergence Capstone 6, where they'll test the latest military equipment alongside industry partners.
125 years of history
The Irish Guards were formed in 1900 by Queen Victoria, and this year marks their 125th anniversary. To celebrate, there have been special church services, military events in Northern Ireland, and a ceremonial Laying Up of Old Colours at St Mark's Church in Belfast.
The anniversary celebrations will finish on 1 April 2026 with a 125km march across the South Downs, ending with the Battalion's Colour being handed over outside Buckingham Palace on a King's Guard mount.
The parade
The St Patrick's Day parade itself was a real spectacle. Soldiers in field army uniforms stood alongside their colleagues from the Public Duties Companies — the men who guard the King — dressed in their famous red tunics and tall black bearskins.
Also on parade were the Band of the Irish Guards, the regimental Irish Wolfhound Mascot (more on him in a moment), veterans' associations, and the junior cadets — affectionately nicknamed the "Mini Micks".
Lieutenant Colonel Ben Irwin-Clark, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Irish Guards said:
“St Patrick’s Day, especially when the Colonel of the Regiment is in attendance, is my favourite day in the Regimental calendar. It is an opportunity to see old friends, welcome new members into the Irish Guards’ family, and celebrate the courage and character of the island of Ireland and the Regiment’s glorious legacy of sacrifice and service.”
The regiment's motto is Quis Separabit, meaning "Who shall separate us?" — and the parade showed exactly what that spirit looks like in practice.
Meet Seamus
Every good parade needs a star, and that honour belongs to Turlough Mor — a giant Irish Wolfhound and the regiment's official mascot, better known as "Seamus." After the soldiers gave a Royal Salute, The Princess of Wales presented sprigs of shamrock to officers and warrant officers, who passed them down the ranks to be worn on uniforms. The final sprig was placed on Seamus's ceremonial silver collar, and The Princess gave him a friendly pat too. He probably deserved it.
The Princess then gave a speech thanking the Irish Guards for their loyal service. In return, the soldiers removed their caps and gave three loud cheers.
The parade ended with a march-past, with The Princess of Wales taking the salute, before she met soldiers and their families for photographs and a chat.
Special medals for three soldiers
During the visit, The Princess presented Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to three soldiers — a special moment shared with their families.
Company Sergeant Major John Hogan joined in 2004 and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's also been an instructor at two of the Army's top training establishments before returning to his battalion.
Sergeant Ellis Ward from the regimental band has served an impressive 29 years in the Army — 23 of them with the band. He's toured Australia and New Zealand and seen active service in Northern Ireland, the first Gulf War, and Kosovo.
Lance Sergeant Stephen Williams from Liverpool swapped a career in bricklaying for the Army in 2008 and hasn't looked back. He's completed multiple tours, including deployments to Afghanistan and Cyprus.
A day to remember
St Patrick's Day is always a highlight in the Irish Guards' calendar — a chance to celebrate what the regiment has achieved and look forward to what's next. But having The Princess of Wales there to mark the occasion made this year's celebrations extra special for everyone involved.