Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of you, whether you are Irish, Irish adjacent, or just celebrating!
Today, the Prince and Princess of Wales – the outgoing and incoming Colonels of the Irish Guard – are at Mons Barracks, Aldershot Garrison to view the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Princess of Wales will present sprigs of shamrock to the Officers, Guardsman, and the regimental mascot, an Irish Wolf Hound. She will then take the salute in her new capacity as Colonel of the Guards. She will be invited to inspect the front rank, while the Prince will inspect the second rank.
Of great interest to us is what she will wear, but for some (cough LiL cough) it’s secondary to seeing the pup. While we are waiting for photos, let’s take a look at previous events with the two stars of the show.
Let’s add the three stars of the show for 2023 immediately without comment.
Ah, Seamus the Wolfhound, be still my heart. He is known formally as Turlough Mor.
Now, let’s regroup and comment. As much as I love a new outfit, I have to say I am a bit surprised and a little disappointed we didn’t see a redone rewear here. The Princess has a lot of green coats. I understand that this is a new era in many ways, so perhaps that was the thought process behind debuting a new ensemble head to toe.
That said, it’s a good one. It’s a custom Catherine Walker partnered with a really lovely Jane Taylor hat. Those who dislike too much military-inspired clothing should be happy with this feminine model. The pattern of the buttons mirrors the guards but the overall effect is elegant. No doubt it is lovely on her.
The Princess matched her hat floof to the soldier’s hackle, too. (H/T to our Baguette Scottish Elizabeth).
The outgoing Colonel looked pretty good himself.
Everyone all together now. Welcome to the new Colonel.
Let us know your thoughts!