Duchess Kate Middleton passes out shamrocks to Irish Guards

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Kate Middleton, now known as the Duchess of Cambridge, paid a special St. Patrick’s Day visit to the Irish Guards on Saturday. Continuing a tradition started by Prince William’s great-grandmother, the Queen Mother, Kate passed out shamrock sprigs to the guard’s 1st Battalion.

The duchess, wasn’t about to get pinched for not wearing green; she wore a green Emilia Wickstead coat dress for her first solo military engagement. Accessories included brown suede heels, a hat by Lock and Co. and one very special addition: a gold shamrock brooch owned by the guard and previously worn by the Queen Mother.

The responsibility of the annual visit, which takes place in Aldershot, Hampshire, was passed along to Princess Anne 10 years ago after the Queen Mother’s passing, reports USA Today, and now the honor goes to Kate.

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The guards weren’t the only ones to get a shamrock from the princess. Mascot Conmael, a wolfhound, was also front and center at the festivities.

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-- Emily Christianson