Catherine To Take A Crucial Role From King Charles As William Is Compelled To Withdraw
The Princess of Wales: A Poignant Return to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Princess of Wales, who is in remission after battling cancer, attended the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade of the Irish Guards in her capacity as their Colonel. This was a role she was unable to fulfill last year due to her cancer treatment. It was a particularly poignant celebration this year, as the regiment also marked its 125th anniversary.
King Charles III’s office celebrated the return of his beloved daughter-in-law to this major event, honoring the future Queen on this significant occasion. Title updates and changes in regimental responsibilities took place in the early days of King Charles’s reign, with the biggest shifts involving Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales. Both were handed their own Colonelcies by the King—Queen Camilla took up the mantle of Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, while Catherine stepped into Prince William’s shoes as Colonel of the Irish Guards.
The Queen’s acceptance of Prince Andrew’s former role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards generally followed tradition, as this position is typically held by the Monarch’s consort. Prince Andrew, however, was stripped of this role and his military associations when he stepped back from royal duties following his infamous scandal.
Catherine’s supportive role in William’s life has been evident, with William showing a public level of support for Catherine that seems more hands-on than what Charles ever offered to Diana. From the beginning, Catherine has been compared to the late Princess Diana, and many wondered if she could live up to Diana’s influence and legacy. However, William made it clear early on that Catherine was not expected to fill Diana’s shoes but instead carve out her own path as a member of the royal family.
Over time, Catherine Middleton has admirably established her own identity within the royal family, carving out a path that is uniquely hers. Unlike some expectations, she hasn’t tried to mirror Princess Diana’s legacy. Instead, Catherine has developed her own voice and style, often praised for her trend-setting choices and warm, authentic personality. Comparing Diana and Catherine is almost impossible, as they come from vastly different backgrounds, each with their own life experiences.
If Princess Diana were still here today, there’s no doubt she would give her blessing to Catherine, seeing in her the qualities she’d hoped for in a partner for her son. Diana would likely feel confident knowing that Catherine has been a steady and supportive presence in William’s life.
Diana was deeply committed to charitable causes both in the UK and internationally, making a lasting impact with her humanitarian work. Catherine, too, has embraced charity but in a way that reflects her own values and strengths.
Catherine’s influence within the royal family has only grown stronger over time, particularly with her active contributions to key causes. When she transitioned from being William’s fiancée to becoming the Duchess of Cambridge, there were high expectations for her to make a significant impact. As Catherine takes on more responsibilities, the royal family seems more relatable, focusing on service and dedication rather than luxury and spectacle.
Dressed in a striking emerald green Alexander McQueen coat, Catherine embodied the spirit of the occasion as she joined the Irish Guards for their parade, pinning shamrocks on their lapels in a gesture of goodwill. She also reportedly placed a sum of cash behind the bar to ensure soldiers could enjoy celebratory drinks.
The Princess, decked out head-to-toe in festive green with her Alexander McQueen coat dress and matching hat, made sure the afterparty was filled with cheer. Following the annual parade at Westminster, she told the soldiers, “It’s the least I could do for those attending.”
As Colonel of the regiment, Catherine was forced to miss the Guards’ annual event last year due to her treatment. However, this year, she sipped on a half pint of Guinness as a senior Guardsman toasted her with, “Three cheers for the Colonel!” before raucous applause erupted. Catherine beamed as she arrived at the London base on Monday morning, where she inspected the troops before being presented with traditional sprigs of shamrock by a member of the Guards, which she pinned underneath her brooch.
She then presented operational medals to Irish Guard soldiers who had recently returned from deployment in Iraq. During a private ceremony, she also awarded long service and good conduct medals in recognition of the soldiers’ commitment to the army. Catherine told the soldiers and their families how she had missed taking part in the ceremony over the past two years before heading out onto the parade ground. After taking the salute on the dais, she handed out shamrocks to Guardsmen and officers, completing the heartfelt event.
