Duchess Catherine and Prince William have shared a heartfelt update after missing the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations for 2020 – the first time the royal couple hasn’t attended the event in years.
The pair, who usually attend the Irish Guards annual parade, posted a moving tribute to the guards that felt especially poignant, given the current difficulties the world faces in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Taking to Instagram, the Duke and Duchess, who have been keeping a low profile with no official engagements lately thanks to the Coronavirus crisis, shared a sweet message: “☘️Happy St Patrick’s Day!”
“In the absence of the annual #StPatricksDay Parade with the @IrishGuards (as the majority of the Regiment are on deployment overseas 🌍), of which The Duke of Cambridge has been Colonel since 2011, we’re sharing more on where the Irish Guards will be working this St Patrick’s Day,” the post read.
The caption then went into detail about the troops’ efforts in South Sudan and Iraq, accompanied by incredible images of their work.
The pair are usually out in force when St Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year.
Last year’s parade was one to remember, especially for Kate, who adorned her Alexander McQueen coat with a very special accessory – a beautiful golden shamrock brooch, crafted by Cartier, originally presented to Princess Mary in 1961, and which has since been worn by Princess Anne and the Queen Mother.
The pair were all smiles for the annual parade, and even enjoyed a large pint of Guinness together following the celebrations.
Kate and Wills indulged in a good old-fashioned Guinness to celebrate St Patrick’s Day last year.
(Getty)This year, the outlook was undoubtedly different for Kate and Wills, as the affects of the Coronavirus outbreak are felt worldwide.
At a time where the royals are usually out in full force, both Kate and William have been keeping a low profile, with no scheduled public engagements in the foreseeable future.
This comes as no surprise given the current regulations from the World Health Organisation advising the public to socially isolate and take measured precautions around public gatherings.
Kate and Wills are laying low in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
(Getty)And it’s not only Kate and Wills who have taken a step back. The Palace have also announced the Queen’s annual Garden Parties, which usually take place in May, have also been cancelled.
A statement from Buckingham Palace read: “In consultation with the Medical Household and Government, a number of public events with large numbers of people due to have been attended by The Queen, and other Members of the Royal Family, in the coming months will be cancelled or postponed.”
The statement continued: “Three Garden Parties hosted by The Queen, due to be held at Buckingham Palace in May, will now not take place. Guests already invited to these Garden Parties will be asked to attend in 2021.”
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Other changes to the royal household amid the global health crisis include new protocols such as avoiding shaking hands, wearing gloves and only carrying out engagements that are in smaller numbers.
These changes are in line with recommendations from the WHO, and will no doubt be assessed in an ongoing capacity.
