Duchess of Cambridge presents sprigs of shamrock on St Patrick's Day visit

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have begun their St Patrick’s Day celebrations as they visit the Irish Guards to present sprigs of shamrock.

Prince William, in his role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, visited the 1st Battalion Irish Guards at the St. Patrick's Day Parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot.

It is the first time the Cambridges have been able to attend the parade since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The Duchess wore a green coat by Laura Green and hat by Lock & Co, with shamrock on her jacket.

Prince William added a sprig to the cap of his Irish Guards uniform.

Kate handed baskets filled with shamrock to regimental leaders to pass out to the ranks, telling them: "Good morning, have some shamrock. Happy St Patrick's Day."

As is customary, they were greeted by the regiment mascot, a two-year-old Irish wolfhound called Turlough Mór — also known as Séamus.

The Duchess presented the dog, who is handled by Dummer Adam Walsh, with his very own sprig of shamrock.

Toddler Gaia Money, 20-months-old, stole the show after grabbing two bouquets from the Duchess.

"Shall we swap," the Duchess asked her, handing over a second. "Now you have both of them."

Lt Col Rob Money, Gaia's father, placed his bearskin hat over the little girl's head.

Kate said: "That's so sweet. Do you fit inside it?"

Lorraine Money, Gaia's mother, said afterwards: "The duchess was lovely. Gaia took both bouquets and she let them keep them. Gaia has been practising her curtsey at nursery school but failed!

"I am from Jamaica and we spoke about Jamaica as they are going there next week."

Prince William also handed long service medals to Colour Sgt Samuel Mogey, Lance Sgt Glenn Baker and Sgt Gagaan Gurunm.

Seven-year-old Darcy Rose Tomlinson presented Kate with a bouquet of flowers

Later in the visit, Prince William will take the salute during a march-past, and the Cambridges will meet members of the Regiment.

They will then pose for group photographs in the Officers' and Sergeants’ Mess, before moving to the Junior Ranks dining hall where the senior guardsman in the battalion will propose a toast..