The Duchess of Edinburgh stepped out in Northern Ireland this weekend to present shamrocks to the Royal Irish Regiment in her first visit since being named Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment.
Sophie joined the 2nd Battalion of The Royal Irish Regiment for a St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, visiting the Regiment in Lisburn.
There, Sophie watched a parade before presenting shamrocks to the officers and warrant officers of the 2nd Battalion, as well as D-Day veteran Sergeant George Horner.
“It is such an honour to have Her Royal Highness present at our parade today to presenting shamrocks to our Rangers, veterans, and cadets, and to meet our families,” said the Battalion’s commanding officer in an article on the Royal Irish Regiment’s website.
“It is very much a family day for the Regiment, and it was great to have our new Colonel-in-Chief share the day with the regimental family in Northern Ireland,” he added.
After the parade, Sophie met with the cadets and officers within the Regiment, and also met its mascot, Brian Boru X (otherwise known as Conri), an Irish Wolfhound who wears a piper green coat that displays the Regimental badge on either flank while he’s on official duties.
Sophie took over as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Irish Regiment in the summer of 2023, replacing the Duke of York in the role.
It was one of two new military appointments given to Sophie by King Charles, the other being Royal Colonel of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry. The King previously held the colonelcy.
The Royal Irish Regiment was formed in 1992 and is the only Irish Infantry Regiment in the British Army. There are two battalions: the 1st Battalion is based in Ternhill and the 2nd Battalion is based in Lisburn.
