Princess Kate will be unable to attend the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade this year due to her ongoing recovery from abdominal surgery, with the British Army being forced to come up with a replacement.
Kate is Colonel of the Irish Guards and would traditionally be at the parade to hand out shamrocks to Officers and Warrant Officers, who would then issue them among the ranks.
Kate would sometimes carry out the role when her husband Prince William was Colonel, but this year the Ministry of Defence have announced that Lady Ghika, wife of the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, Major General Sir Christopher Ghika, will replace Kate.
Major General Sir Chistopher Ghika has impressive royal credentials, having been put in charge of the military processions for King Charles’s Coronation, Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, and her and Prince Philip’s funerals.
In a tradition dating back to 1900, female members of the Royal Family hand out sprigs of shamrock to members of the Battalion on parade, however it is not unusual for a royal not to be present at the event.
It is understood that since the tradition began there have been at least ten separate incidents when a royal has not been able to attend.
Commanding Officer James Aldridge said: “St Patrick’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the friendships that are so fundamental to our Regimental ethos and identity.
“With our busy and diverse operational schedules, it is the most prominent occasion for the Regimental family to come together, and we are really looking forward to welcoming Micks of all ranks, from across the Army, past and present, and their families.
“We will raise a glass to those unable to attend this year, especially those deployed in Africa and elsewhere.”
The Princess of Wales has stepped back from royal duties temporarily as she recovers from a major operation on her abdomen, which she underwent in January.
Kensington Palace has not given details on the exact nature of her condition, but said she was doing well and would not be back at work until after Easter.
William has been seen attending various royal events without his wife, including the BAFTAS and the Commonwealth Day service, although he also pulled out of the memorial service for King Constantine of Greece due to “personal reasons”.
King Charles has also been absent from royal duties as he continues to receive treatment for cancer, with his diagnosis being officially disclosed over a month ago.
It is not known exactly when the King will be back at work but he is carrying on with work behind-the-scenes, receiving his red boxes every day and attending meetings.
In the meantime the Queen has been holding the fort carrying out a number of solo engagements, sometimes accompanied by the Duchess of Gloucester.
