Heir to the throne William and spouse Kate every raised a glass of Guinness yesterday as they toasted St Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards.
Kate, 41, formally turned the regiment’s Colonel — taking up from her husband who, as Prince of Wales, now heads the Welsh Guards. She was just lately given the title by King Charles.
She ensured downpours didn’t dampen spirits as she took her first salute on the parade floor in Aldershot, Hants.
She and William, 40, then joined celebrations within the noisy Junior Ranks eating corridor.
In a speech, Wills informed guardsmen that being their Colonel had been “one of the great honours of my life”.
He added: “I may be stepping aside, but in Colonel Catherine you have a committed, focused, and already incredibly loyal 11th Colonel.
“As you serve together over the years ahead, know that I will continue to watch you, with huge pride in having been one of you.”
Kate, who braved the rain with out an umbrella, stated: “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.”
She hailed their inspiring work and “boundless, irreverent, glorious sense of humour”.
The princess was given posies by six-year-old Aoife and four-year-old Alice — the daughters of Warrant Office Second Class Alistair Wigley.
Crouching, she thanked them and stated: “You both look gorgeous.”
Kate and William had been then greeted with three cheers within the raucous eating corridor the place the Senior Guardsman proposed a toast with Guinness.
William sipped from a pint whereas Kate held a half-pint.
Wills went spherical tables to say his farewells after 13 years. At one, he stated: “Best of luck and keep in touch. And a very happy St Paddy’s Day.”
Guardsman Charlie Aldred, 19, chatted to the prince over a drink and stated afterwards: “He said he was going to miss our noise and humour and that we are really laid back but still got the job done.”
The go to got here per week after Kate wore camouflage gear to affix the Irish Guards on a snowy Salisbury Plain.
This story initially appeared on The Sun and is republished right here with permission.
Originally revealed as Kate takes over title from Prince William
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
