Kate Middleton greets Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day

The 1st Battalion Irish Guard came out in full ceremonial uniform today to celebrate St Patricks Day and meet the Duchess of Cambridge.

They marched on Mons square, in the Aldershot military barracks to traditional tunes.

But it was a little too much for two soldiers who appeared to collapse minutes before the royal arrival.

The Duchess was the guest of honour at this year's parade.

She was presented with a shamrock before she began distributing them to 40 Officers and Warrant Officers.

Kate wore a green Emilia Wickstead dress coat bought especially for the occasion, with a brown Lock and Co hat, brown suede shoes and a gold shamrock brooch.

The brooch is a family heirloom previously worn by the Queen Mother.

Kate Middleton also honoured the regimental mascot, Conmeal, an Irish Wolfhound.

She then spoke with the soldiers.

The origin of presenting shamrock dates back to the Regiment's first St Patrick's Day in 1901.

This was the Duchess of Cambridge's first solo military engagement and will be the start of a long-standing relationship with the Irish Guards.

This was the Duchess of Cambridge's first solo military engagement and will be the start of a long-standing relationship with the Irish Guards.