St Patricks Day Parade
17th March 2025Wellington Barracks
Carolyn and I were fortunate enough to be invited along to the St Patrick's Day celebrations with the Irish Guards at the Wellington Barracks, along with IPM Elise Rasmussen, Bill and Sue Curran and other members of our company.
After a moving service in the Guards Chapel, we trooped outside and took our seats at the side of the parade ground, on the way getting a photo of Seamus the regimental mascot with his handler.
Despite the bitter temperature, all of us were very pleased to see the Princess of Wales, the Colonel of the Regiment, presenting bunchs of shamrock to the members of the regiment who were on parade. Given her recent illness, it was wonderful to see her back doing some of her normal duties!
Beside the current members of the Irish Guards, members of the Irish Guards Association were also on parade, including Ron Kirkland, the secretary of the London Branch of the Association, and Major Robbie Wilmont, our normal conatct with the regiment.
Once the parade was finished, we retired to the Irish Guards Sergeants Mess for drinks and a fine lunch (one option being Irsh Stew of course!).
To everbody's surprise, the Princess made an unscheduled but very welcome visit to the Sergeants Mess, and talked to as many people as possible during her brief stay. (Tip for the future - if you want to get her attention directly, have a baby with you!).
A great day, despite the cold, and thank to the Irish Guards for their hospitality. (Thank you also to Sue Curran for some of the photos!)