Kate presents the Irish Guards' mascot Domhnall with a shamrock at last year's event (Reuters)

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, got into the St Patrick's Day spirit by attending a parade of the Irish Guards on Sunday 17 March.

As an honorary colonel, William took part in the parade of the 200 guardsmen dressed in full ceremonial scarlet tunic and bearskin, at the Mons Barracks in Aldershot. The guards were accompanied by their Irish wolfhound mascot Domhnall.

Afterwards Kate presented officers and guardsmen with a ceremonial shamrock, following a tradition initiated by Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII, when the regiment was first formed. The couple then toured the mess and barracks.

Last year Kate, who is expecting the couple's first child in June, attended the event alone while her husband completed his RAF training.

This year's parade was the Duke's first official public engagement since becoming an RAF officer.

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