Catherine, Princess of Wales is said to have paid the bar tab at a regimental bar after missing this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade.
The future Queen – who is married to Prince William – is Colonel of the Irish Guards and as she continues to recover from undisclosed abdominal surgery, she was unable to attend the annual parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, for the first time in seven years.
Instead, the 42-year-old royal is reported by the Daily Mail to have put “£2,000 behind the regimental bar at Aldershot for a party after the traditional parade” so they could enjoy a few pints of the traditional Irish tipple of Guinness.
The Prince and Princess of Wales also sent a special message on social media, which read: “Happy St Patrick’s Day! Here’s a sneak peek of the Irish Guards rehearsing for their annual parade. Sláinte to all those celebrating today!”
Catherine was replaced in the ceremony by Lady Ghika, the wife of Lieutenant colonel Major General Sir Christopher Ghika.
Lady Ghika presented the Irish Guards’ mascot Seamus the dog with a shamrock, as troops gave Catherine three cheers as they raised their bearskins into the air as a mark of respect.
The 2023 St Patrick’s Day celebration was Catherine’s first as the regiment’s honorary colonel after taking over from her husband.
She said at the time: “I really couldn’t be prouder to stand in front of you here today.
“It really is a true honour to be your Colonel. I am here to listen to you, to support you, and to champion you in all you do – this is a responsibility I do not take lightly.
“I look forward to spending more time with you and your families, seeing your commitment to duty and service in all you do.
“Before I close, however, I want to thank Colonel William. He has always talked about his fierce pride for this Regiment.
“I know he will continue to support us all in the work we do.”
Along with recovering from surgery, Catherine was hit by conspiracy theories following the release of an edited photo of her and her children for the UK’s Mother’s Day on 10 March – with the royal said to be “very sad” at the worldwide headlines the changes had sparked.