See Kate Middleton's Shocking St. Patrick's Day Look
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The Princess of Wales made a major statement and broke her decades-long tradition.
Prince William and Kate Middleton attended their first St. Patrick's Day festivities since she was named Colonel of the Irish Guards—and she celebrated with a surprising new look.
The newly minted Princess of Wales wore green for St. Patrick's Day events for more than a decade but opted for a teal ensemble for her and William's royal visit to Ireland for 2023.
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There is a reason she wore the color: To coordinate with the feathers in the 1st Battalion Irish Guards' caps. What's more, the shade is actually called St. Patrick's blue and is worn on the sash and mantle of the Order of St. Patrick, PEOPLE reported.
Kate sported a Catherine Walker & Co coat dress with a matching fascinator and heels in the St. Patrick's blue hue. She sported stud earrings with teal stones as well.
She accessorized her coat dress with a gold shamrock pin.
Kate was bestowed with the Colonel of the Irish Guards title after William became Colonel of the Welsh Guards after succeeding to the Prince of Wales title.
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"Whilst I am extremely happy to be here celebrating St. Patrick's Day with you once again, I'm incredibly sad to be giving this speech, as it really does mean my time as your Colonel has come to an end," William said in a speech Friday. "It has been one of the great honors of my life to hold that title; I'm proud of everything it stands for—just as I'm immensely proud of every single one of you."
"On this, my 13th and final St. Patrick's Day as Colonel, not only am I saddened that I'll likely fail once again to finish a pint of Guinness," he joked. "But I am also sad that I won't in future see more of you, the families, whose unwavering support enables these outstanding men and women to do what they do."
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Kate gave a speech of her own telling the Irish Guards how much it meant to serve them.
"I really couldn't be prouder to stand in front of you here today. It really is a true honor to be your Colonel," Kate said. "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," she continued. "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. Finally, I would like to wish you all, a very happy St. Patrick's Day."
