The Princess of Wales is set to make an emotional return to royal duty on St Patrick’s Day when she meets the Irish Guards during a solo engagement.
Kate, who is colonel of the regiment, missed the Guards’ celebrations last year after being diagnosed with cancer and apologised last summer for missing a key rehearsal for the annual Trooping the Colour.
Meanwhile, King Charles is expected to meet Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney who has become embroiled in a row with US President Donald Trump over claims Canada could become the 51st state.
Live updates below
Kate congratulates tennis star Jack Draper on BNP Paribas Open victory
Before heading out to Wellington Barracks today, the Princess has taken the time to congratulate tennis star Jack Draper on his BNP Paribas Open victory.
The 23-year-old Brit defeated Danish player Holger Rune 6-2, 6-2, in the final held in California.
Kate famously consoled the tennis player after his Junior Wimbledon final loss when he was aged just 16, and has been keeping a keen eye on his progress over the years.
The Princess and Domhnall the dog: A tale of two friends
Over the years, the Princess struck-up a friendship with a four-legged pal – Domnhall the dog.
The Irish Wolfhound was recruited as the regimental mascot for the First Battalion Irish Guards in 2013.
Domhnall, whose name means ‘World Leader’ in Gaelic, came to the regiment from Northern Ireland and retired from his ceremonial role in September 2019 after six years of service
And over the years, Kate shared many adorable moments with the beloved canine.
Kate’s St Patrick’s Day Parade looks through the years
The Princess has looked incredible at the St Patrick’s Day parade over the years.
Though unable to attend last year’s ceremony, Kate has stunned at each of her previous appearances in gorgeous attire.
Let’s take a look at some of her best.
First up we have the Princess pictured smiling in 2012 during a visit to the Aldershot barracks of the the Irish Guards First Battalion.
Next, the Princess is seen in 2018 during her St Patrick’s Day visit to Hounslow.
In 2019, the Princess of Wales is seen alongside William as they share a conversation with a member of the Irish Guards.
The Princess was again pictured in 2022 as she attended the St Patrick’s Day Parade. This was the first time she had been able to attend since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last up, we have Kate’s latest attendance at the ceremony in 2023. Pictured alongside William, she looked radiant despite the rainy day.
King Charles set to meet Canadian PM amid tensions with Donald Trump
In a busy day for the Royal Family, King Charles will meet the newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, amid an ongoing conflict with Donald Trump.
PM Carney, who formerly held a role as the Bank of England’s governor, is seeking European alliances as President Trump seeks to declare Canada as the USA’s 51st state.
President Trump also sparked a trade war between Canada and the US, which was first fought against by former Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau, and is now being continued by PM Carney.
Today’s meeting between the monarch and PM Carney comes after King Charles displayed his respect for Canada last week in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
The King,who is also Canada’s monarch, received the Canadian Usher of the Black Rod, Greg Peters, and the Speaker of the Canadian Senate, Raymonde Gagne, at Buckingham Palace on March 12.
The King handed over a new ceremonial sword to the Usher of the Black Rod commissioned by the Senate to mark the change of reign.
Pictured: Kate’s letter to the Irish Guards last year, signed ‘Colonel Catherine’
Who are the Irish Guards?
The Irish Guards is an Irish Regiment formed on 1 April 1900 by Queen Victoria.
Known affectionately throughout the Army as ‘The Micks’, it was founded in recognition of the acts of courage and bravery performed by Irish regiments during the Second Boer War.
Since then, the regiment has continued to serve in numerous major conflicts and guard the Royal Family.
St Patrick’s Day is the traditional celebration of the Irish Guards where its regiment members are presented with fresh shamrock from the Princess of Wales.
Pictured below: Queen Elizabeth ll and Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg pose with the Irish Guards for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 1, 1995.
Kate’s letter to Irish Guards after she was forced to miss Trooping the Colour
The Princess of Wales wrote to the Irish Guards last year to express her pride in the soldiers and wish them good luck for the Colonel’s Review.
Kate was unable to attend the event as she was receiving treatment following her cancer diagnosis.
The troops gave their colonel a round of applause after the emotional letter was read out at their barracks.
The letter read: ‘I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour.
‘I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practising for months and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.
‘Being your Colonel remains a great honour and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review.
‘Please pass my apologies to the whole regiment, however I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.’
Why today will be particularly poignant for Princess Kate
In her role as colonel of the Irish Guards, Kate will today present traditional sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen at the Wellington Barracks in London.
She will also award long service and good conduct medals to soldiers.
It comes after she was unable to attend the ceremony last year as she was undergoing treatment for her cancer diagnosis.
Despite this, Kate was honoured in her absence as the guardsman gave three cheers for their absent colonel as they read out her letter of apologies for missing the event.
Her return today signals another positive step for the Princess, as she gradually steps up her return to Royal duties.
Princess Kate set for emotional St Patrick’s Day
Hello and welcome to MailOnline’s royal coverage as the Princess of Wales makes a poignant return to duty this St Patrick’s Day.
Kate will resume her traditional engagement of attending the Irish Guard celebrations later today after missing last year’s parade through illness.
She last visited the Guards on St Patrick’s Day in 2023 after she took over the role of colonel from William.
Meanwhile, King Charles is set to meet Canada’s new Prime Minister and former Bank of England governor Mark Carney.
The meeting comes amid tensions between Mr Carney and Donald Trump after the US President declared Canada could become the 51st state.
Stick with us throughout the day as we bring you the latest royal updates plus the best pictures and videos.
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Royal Family news LIVE: Kate Middleton makes emotional reunion in St Patrick’s Day duty – as King Charles meets Donald Trump rival