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William and Kate to visit 'lucky' soldiers for St Patrick's Day Parade

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Prince William and Kate Middleton will once again attend the annual St Patrick's Day Parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot. The royal couple will visit to 1st Battalion Irish Guards on Monday 17 March.William will attend the Parade as Colonel of the regiment. His wife, meanwhile, will present the traditional springs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen.

© Photo: Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge was five months pregnant when she attended the parade last year with William by her side.

Wearing the same green Emilia Wickstead dress coat she wore to the event in 2012, she charmed onlookers as she handed out shamrocks and greeted soldiers.

Kate suffered slight mishap on the day, when the heel of her shoe became stuck in a grate. But she dealt with the situation with her usual good grace, smiling as she bent down to dislodge the heel, while William took her arm.

© Photo: Getty Images

The tradition of handing out shamrocks to officers and warrant officers, who in turn issue them along the ranks, was started in 1901 by Queen Alexandra, the wife of the then-King, Edward VIII.After the parade, William and Kate will meet members of the regiment, before sitting for Officers' and Sergeants' Mess photographers. They will then visit the Guardsmens' cookhouse before taking lunch privately in the Officers' Mess.

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