In March 2012, Kate arrived at Mons Barracks in Aldershot to present Irish Guard soldiers with shamrocks to mark St. Patrick’s Day. This was Kate’s official first solo military engagement.
Kate presents shamrock posies to The Irish Guard
During the presentation, Kate also pinned shamrocks to the collar of a very special member of the regiment: their mascot, an Irish Wolfhound dog named Conmeal.
Conmeal, the Irish Wolfhound. The Irish Guard’s official mascot
You may recall that Prince William was appointed the honorary rank of Colonel of the Irish Guard last year, and the newlyweds presented medals to members of the regiment in june on Armed Forces Day.
William and Kate on Armed Forces Day
Here’s a lovely video of Kate with the soldiers at the Aldershot barracks – I love the bit where everyone raises their can of Fosters lager! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly_W7FXqUxs
Kate’s outfit:
Kate wore a green coat dress by designer Emilia Wickstead.
Kate wears an Emilia Wickstead coat dress
We believe Kate is wearing a customised version of this coat dress:
Emilia Wickstead Coat Dress
Shop Emilia Wickstead:
Kate’s platform heels are the “Valerie” style by Emmy Shoes. We show them in white from Emmy’s ready-to-wear bridal collection. Emmy also has a bespoke appointment only service.
Emmy Shoes “Valerie” platforms
We show the shoes again in brown, as pictured on Emmy’s blog:
Kate’s brown Emmy pumps and matching clutch, via the Emmy Shoes Blog.
In the photo below, you can clearly see a sparkly gem stone and the cursive font logo on the sole of Kate’s shoe :
Emmy Shoes Valerie pumps, with diamond gem on the sole
The diamond gem is a signature detail on Emmy Shoes’ designs:
Emmy Shoes. Picture © Mark Whitfield Photography
The Duchess’ lovely curls are cascading down her back elegantly – they appear to be pinned away from her face and the hat placed on top.
The back of Kate’s coat dress. You can see her curled hair too.
Kate wore a familiar bracelet by Tiffany & Co. It’s the “Diamonds by the Yard” bracelet from the Elsa Peretti collection. The bracelet is made from stirling silver and it features three round .09 carat diamonds.
Tiffany’s Diamonds by the Yard bracelet
Kate’s earrings were by Kiki McDonough. They feature a green amethyst stone set in 18ct gold and surrounded by diamonds.
Kiki McDonough Green Amethyst Earrings.
The earrings pictured (which are either the same as, or similar to Kate’s) currently retail for £2,600. Many people have speculated that the earrings could have been a Christmas gift from Prince William. Shop Kiki McDonough earrings:
Duchess of Cambridge wears a gold shamrock brooach on her Emilia Wickstead coat dress
The gold brooch is a royal heirloom designed by Cartier. It was first worn by Queen Alexandra in 1901 and has also been worn by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
I LOVE the hat! This is a really good look–the coat dress is very flattering and stylish.
She looks fantastic