Kate Middleton joins Prince William to visit the Welsh guards

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Kate Middleton was wowed by a youngster performing a somersault at a St David’s Day parade today. 

The Princess of Wales, 41, was beaming as she arrived at Combermere Barracks in Windsor for the St David’s Day parade, which her husband William also attended.

The mother-of-three wore an eye-catching scarlet coat from Alexander McQueen for the occasion, sweeping her hair into an up-do and donning a smart black fascinator. 

During the event, Kate met with a number of children, including a boy who performed a backflip for her. 

A beaming Princess applauded the youngster, before placing a supportive hand on his back as she led him to his seat.  

Kate Middleton joins Prince William to visit the Welsh guards

Kate Middleton was wowed by a youngster performing a somersault as she attended the St David’s Day Parade alongside her husband William

The Princess was radiant in a dazzling red coat as she joined William this morning - in the Prince's first visit since he was made Colonel of the Regiment

The royal mother-of-three accepted a posey of flowers from one young girl at the event

The Princess was radiant in a dazzling red coat as she joined William this morning – in the Prince’s first visit since he was made Colonel of the Regiment 

Kate also wore glamorous make-up with pink lipstick and a dark smoky eye.

And for the occasion, she sported a replica of a leek brooch belonging to her late grandmother-in-law the Queen.

The original Welsh Guards leek brooch which was designed for Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 using the drawings of the Welsh Guardsmen.

It was presented to the late monarch as a regimental gift, and was funded by the guardsmen themselves, who each paid 12 and a half pence.

In the decades that followed, the Queen made sure to wear the brooch at most events involving the Welsh Guards.

During the parade, the prince presented leeks to the Officers and Guardsmen who  turned to issue it along the ranks, a traditional part of the St David’s Day Parade. 

Today’s visit is particularly significant for William, who became Colonel of the regiment last December, taking over from his father Charles. 

St David’s Day is the feast day of the patron saint of Wales, on March 1.  

William said: ‘I’m sorry that my father couldn’t be here with us today to say farewell, but I know he would talk of his fierce pride and admiration for you all, and of his own sadness to be moving on from an appointment he held so dear since 1975.’

The parade concluded with a march past, where William took the Royal Salute.

Afterwards, Kate and William sat for an official photo with The Prince of Wales’s company. 

After the parade, Kate and Prince William met with troops from the 5th Royal Australian Regiment

After the parade, Kate and Prince William met with troops from the 5th Royal Australian Regiment

After the parade, Kate and Prince William met with troops from the 5th Royal Australian Regiment 

The Princess was animated as she chatted to families from the Regiment as well as a group of troops

The Princess was animated as she chatted to families from the Regiment as well as a group of troops 

Established in 1915 by King George V, the Welsh Guards are a Light Role Infantry battalion based in Pirbright, Surrey

Established in 1915 by King George V, the Welsh Guards are a Light Role Infantry battalion based in Pirbright, Surrey

Established in 1915 by King George V, the Welsh Guards are a Light Role Infantry battalion based in Pirbright, Surrey

The Prince and Princess then met families from the Regiment as well as a group of troops from the 5th Royal Australian Regiment who are in the UK helping to train the Ukrainian soldiers. 

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Established in 1915 by King George V, the Welsh Guards are a Light Role Infantry battalion based in Pirbright, Surrey.

The guards have taken part in almost every British Army campaign since the First World War. 

Charles had been Colonel of the Welsh Guards since 1975.

William’s takeover was announced ahead of this year’s Trooping the Colour, which has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for more than 250 years.

The King’s Birthday Parade – Charles’s first – will take place on the slightly later date of June 17. The King’s actual birthday is November 14.

It will see the Household Division on Horse Guards Parade, with the monarch attending and taking the salute. There are seven regiments of the senior military unit, which is responsible for delivering state ceremonial and public duties.

The reigning monarch normally holds the appointment of colonel-in-chief of the regiments, but each one also has a colonel who is normally either a member of the Royal Family or a senior officer.

Prince William and Kate posed for an official photograph at the barracks

Prince William and Kate posed for an official photograph at the barracks 

Prince William and Kate sat for an official photograph with the Prince of Wales's company at a St David's Day parade with members of the 1st Battalion

Prince William and Kate sat for an official photograph with the  Prince of Wales's company at a St David's Day parade with members of the 1st Battalion

The couple sat for a photo with the Prince of Wales’s company at the St David’s Day parade

Today's visit is particularly significant for Prince William, who became colonel of the Welsh Guard in December last year

Today’s visit is particularly significant for Prince William, who became colonel of the Welsh Guard in December last year

Kate also wore a replica of a leek brooch belonging to her late grandmother-in-law the Queen

Kate also wore a replica of a leek brooch belonging to her late grandmother-in-law the Queen

After one young boy performed a somersault, Kate placed a supportive hand onto his back as she walked him back to his seat

After one young boy performed a somersault, Kate placed a supportive hand onto his back as she walked him back to his seat

After one young boy performed a somersault, Kate placed a supportive hand on to his back as she walked him back to his seat 

The royal mother-of-three, who is known for her kind nature with children, placed a supportive hand on his back as he returned to his seat

The royal mother-of-three, who is known for her kind nature with children, placed a supportive hand on his back as he returned to his seat 

The Princess offered a round of applause to the young boy after he performed the trick in front of the crowds

The Princess offered a round of applause to the young boy after he performed the trick in front of the crowds 

The Princess couldn't contain her enthusiasm as the youngster performed the backflip for her in Windsor today

The Princess couldn’t contain her enthusiasm as the youngster performed the backflip for her in Windsor today 

Meanwhile the Princess also appeared amused as one young boy performed a somersault for her at the event this morning

Meanwhile the Princess also appeared amused as one young boy performed a somersault for her at the event this morning

The princess appeared amused when a young boy performed a somersault for her at the event this morning 

As Kate chatted to the youngsters during the parade, one little boy was quick to jump up to remove his hoodie and perform a trick for the Princess

As Kate chatted to the youngsters during the parade, one little boy was quick to jump up to remove his hoodie and perform a trick for the Princess 

The youngster was keen to whip off his hoodie and impress by the Princess with his trick, and could be seen tugging at his sleeve during the outing today

The youngster was keen to whip off his hoodie and impress by the Princess with his trick, and could be seen tugging at his sleeve during the outing today

The youngster was keen to whip off his hoodie and impress by the Princess with his trick, and could be seen tugging at his sleeve during the outing today 

The princess shook hands with one little girl ahead of the parade in Windsor earlier this morning

The princess shook hands with one little girl ahead of the parade in Windsor earlier this morning 

Kate bent down to chat with the young girl today as she presented her with a bouquet of flowers during the parade

Kate bent down to chat with the young girl today as she presented her with a bouquet of flowers during the parade 

The royal mother-of-three appeared particularly taken with one young girl at the parade earlier today

The royal mother-of-three appeared particularly taken with one young girl at the parade earlier today

The mother-of-three appeared particularly taken with one young girl at the parade earlier today 

The royal was presented with a leek and a bouquet of flowers ahead of the parade earlier this morning

The royal was presented with a leek and a bouquet of flowers ahead of the parade earlier this morning 

The Princess handed out the traditional leeks during the Leek giving ceremony at Combermere Barracks for the St David's Day Parade

The Princess handed out the traditional leeks during the Leek giving ceremony at Combermere Barracks for the St David’s Day Parade

Meanwhile it was a particularly significant occasion for Prince William, who was named Colonel of the Welsh Guards last year

Meanwhile it was a particularly significant occasion for Prince William, who was named Colonel of the Welsh Guards last year 

It comes amid a busy week for the couple, who yesterday visited South Wales for a whirlwind day of engagements.

The pair yesterday visited Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre, near the town of Pontyclun, where a therapy garden is being developed. 

The royals took part in a spin class at Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre in Port Talbot, where they heard how sport and exercise can support mental health and wellbeing.

After a 45-second race, in which Kate even asked if she could turn the bike’s resistance up and ‘make it harder’, the princess was declared the winner of the ‘Tour de Aberavon’ and handed a small trophy. 

The royal mother-of-three appeared to be in high spirits during the event today as she met with members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks for the St David's Day Parade

The royal mother-of-three appeared to be in high spirits during the event today as she met with members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks for the St David's Day Parade

The mother-of-three appeared in high spirits today as she met members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks for the St David’s Day Parade

The Princess opted for an eye catching scarlet coat for the outing today, which she paired with black accessories

The Princess opted for an eye catching scarlet coat for the outing today, which she paired with black accessories 

The Princess appeared in high spirits during the event today, where she beamed and laughed as she chatted with members of the public

The Princess appeared in high spirits during the event today, where she beamed and laughed as she chatted with members of the public

The princess beamed and laughed as she chatted with members of the public 

The royal appeared animated as she spoke to crowds who had gathered to watch the parade

The royal appeared animated as she spoke to crowds who had gathered to watch the parade 

The Princess was beaming with joy as she took a seat to watch the parade of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks earlier today

The Princess was beaming with joy as she took a seat to watch the parade of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks earlier today

The Princess was beaming with joy as she took a seat to watch the parade of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks earlier today

One of the members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards pinned the traditional leek to the Princess at the parade

One of the members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards pinned the traditional leek to the Princess at the parade 

Dazzling Kate paired the striking coat with black accessories, including leather gloves and a small handbag

Dazzling Kate paired the striking coat with black accessories, including leather gloves and a small handbag 

The royal mother-of-three donned an eye-catching scarlet coat for the occasion, sweeping her hair into an up-do and donning a smart black fascinator

The royal was animated as she watched the parade during the visit to Battalion Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks in Windsor

The royal was animated as she watched the parade during the visit to the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks in Windsor

Kate wore an eye-catching black fascinator, which featured black arrow detailing

Kate wore an eye-catching black fascinator, which featured black arrow detailing 

The Princess also wore an unusual pair of black leather gloves with cut-out detailing for the occasion

The Princess also wore an unusual pair of black leather gloves with cut-out detailing for the occasion 

On today's occasion, Kate wore glamorous make-up with a pink lipstick and a dark smoky eye (pictured)

On today's occasion, Kate wore glamorous make-up with a pink lipstick and a dark smoky eye (pictured)

Kate wore glamorous make-up with a pink lipstick and a dark smoky eye (pictured)

Kate and William's appearance comes amid a busy week for the couple, who yesterday visited South Wales for a whirlwind day of engagements

Kate and William’s appearance comes amid a busy week for the couple, who yesterday visited South Wales for a whirlwind day of engagements

Kate pictured walk by Welsh guardsmen at the parade

The royal flew the flag for Wales at the event

The princess wore an eye-catching red coat for the St David’s Day parade this morning

Kate wore a smart white polo neck and cream coat, with a patterned houndstooth £20 Zara skirt and four-inch Gianvito Rossi boots.

For their final engagement of the day the Waleses visited the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance. 

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William has become royal patron of the Wales Air Ambulance charity, Kensington Palace said.

William was a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance and a helicopter pilot with the RAF Search and Rescue Force based at RAF Valley on Anglesey. 

During the parade, The Prince will present leeks to the Officers and Guardsmen who will in turn issue it along the ranks, a traditional part of the St David’s Day Parade

The Princess appeared particularly excited ahead of the parade today as she prepared to watch her husband take part

The Princess appeared particularly excited ahead of the parade today as she prepared to watch her husband take part 

During the parade, The prince presented leeks to the Officers and Guardsmen who will in turn issue it along the ranks, a traditional part of the St David’s Day Parade

During the parade, The prince presented leeks to the Officers and Guardsmen who will in turn issue it along the ranks, a traditional part of the St David’s Day Parade

The Princess was in good spirits as she attended the parade in Windsor earlier this morning

The Princess was in good spirits as she attended the parade in Windsor earlier this morning

The Princess was in good spirits as she attended the parade in Windsor earlier this morning 

The Princess appeared to exchange a few words with a fellow attendee as she arrived at the  Combermere Barracks

The Princess appeared to exchange a few words with a fellow attendee as she arrived at the  Combermere Barracks

Prince William’s speech during St David’s Day parade for the Welsh Guards 

Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Guardsmen of the Welsh Guards.

I am both honoured and delighted to be standing here in front of you today as your new Colonel. At the same time, I’m sorry that my father couldn’t be here with us here today to say farewell, but I know he would talk of his fierce pride and admiration for you all, and of his own sadness to be moving on from an appointment he held so dear since 1975.

The Welsh Guards have always been a formidable group of soldiers; raised for war in 1915, then leading the way on operations ever since. Key players in World War Two, The Falklands, Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan to name but a few – your Battle Honours underpin your fighting spirit of today.

The Jam Boys and Little Iron Men of the First World War laid the foundations of this Battalion, and while they may not have been my easiest or driest days in the Army, my memories with The Welsh Guards Sniper Platoon Salisbury Plain are some of my best.

Another key milestone in my life was also shared with the Welsh Guards, this time in the Jungles of Belize as I received my A-Level results over the Bowman Radio… Many of you will know the feeling of being in the jungle; you’re incredibly hot, continuously soaking wet and with nowhere to hide from potentially horrendous results, it could have been a really bad day! Ultimately though, it was the camaraderie, the togetherness, and of course the banter of the Welsh Guards that got me through that period, and it’s a time I look back on fondly.

I believe it’s only with these bonds and this ‘togetherness’, that you can create a strong body of professional soldiers, but of course, it’s not just each other that we rely upon. The support of our families, our friends and our loved ones, is vital, and I’m so pleased to see many of them here today. None of us could do what we do without their support, and I look forward to meeting you and your families over the coming years and getting to know you all.

Thank you; Cymru Am Byth.

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