Kate Middleton breaks with tradition for St. Patrick’s Day look

Princess Kate and Prince William celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by joining the Irish Guards for their annual celebration in Aldershot, located about 40 miles southwest of London.

The event was quite the occasion for the royal couple, as Kate is the new honorary Colonel of the regiment after recently being handed the role by King Charles. Prince William previously held the position, but he became the equivalent of the Welsh Guards to go along with his title of Prince of Wales.

They both gave speeches at the event, with William saying farewell to his previous post, while Kate mentioned it was an honor to become Colonel Catherine.

Kate chooses a surprising color to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Kate chose to wear a Catherine Walker ensemble for the occasion, which included a custom coat dress with military-inspired tailoring.

The piece featured eight covered buttons, along with a high, notched collar, as well as shoulder pads and sharp pleats. She also pinned a gold Irish Guards Shamrock Broach to her coat, a piece reportedly created in 2000 and loaned to royal ladies for the event as per The Court Jeweller.

However, it was Kate’s color choice that had everyone talking, as she opted against wearing the traditional green that the Princess of Wales usually dons for the event, and which is most closely associated with the holiday.

Instead, Kate’s outfit was teal, making it the second time she has departed from St. Paddy’s Day green. Back in 2015, she wore a brown coat and matching pillbox hat.

Although the color choice was unexpected, it matched the plumes worn in the bearskin caps by the 1st Battalion Irish Guards.

Kate’s speech to the Irish Guards

The event was Princess Kate’s second outing with the Irish Guards since becoming Colonel of the regiment after visiting troops on exercises in Salisbury Plain last week.

She told those in attendance what an honor it was to be named Colonel, and that she doesn’t take the responsibility lightly, before wishing everyone a happy St. Patrick’s Day.

“I really couldn’t be prouder to stand in front of you here today. It really is a true honor to be your Colonel,” said Kate. “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. Finally, I would like to wish you all, a very happy St. Patrick’s Day.”