Kate Middleton Returns to St. Patrick’s Day Parade as Colonel After Battling Cancer

Colonel Catherine is back in action, and she’s making it look effortless.

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, attended the Irish Guards’ annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17 at the Wellington Barracks in London. The event marked her return to this beloved tradition after missing it last year due to recovering from a planned abdominal surgery and her subsequent cancer diagnosis.

This year, Kate was all smiles as she led the parade, taking the salute, inspecting the front rank, handing out shamrocks, and yes, raising a pint of Guinness in true festive spirit. The 43-year-old stepped into her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards solo for the first time, a post she took over from her husband, Prince William, in 2022. A little royal shuffle happened that year, with King Charles III ascending the throne after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

Prince William had held the Colonel title since 2011, notably wearing the Irish Guards’ scarlet tunic during their wedding. Kate, however, made her solo debut in this military engagement way back in 2012, handing out shamrocks and mingling with soldiers. Clearly, she’s no stranger to stepping up when duty calls.

Kate’s absence in 2024 was due to her recovery from cancer, a battle she publicly shared in September after completing chemotherapy. In a candid message, she wrote, "The cancer journey is complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you." She reflected on how the experience brought new perspectives on life and emphasized gratitude for the simple joys of loving and being loved.

By January of this year, Kate announced her remission, stating, "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery." She acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to a new normal but expressed optimism for the year ahead.

Now fully back into her royal groove, she’s balancing her health while resuming duties. British broadcaster Jonathan Sacerdoti noted that Kate’s candidness has deepened her connection with the public, setting an example of grace and openness in handling personal challenges.

With a pint of Guinness in hand and her signature poise on full display, Kate Middleton has once again shown she’s not just a royal icon but a resilient human being.