Kate Middleton reveals what she really thinks about William’s beard as she sips Guinness

The Princess of Wales joined the Irish Guards today for their annual St Patrick’s Day parade today where she handed out traditional sprigs of shamrock – and even joined them in a toast with some Guinness

The Princess of Wales sipped Guinness as she celebrated St Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards – and revealed what she really thinks of her husband Prince William’s beard. Kate is the colonel of the Irish Guards and she joined them for their annual St Patrick’s Day parade after missing the event last year as she was recovering from abdominal surgery and had also received her cancer diganosis.

The princess handed the regiments their traditional sprigs of shamrock and also petted the regiment’s mascot, an Irish wolfhound called Turlough Mor. After taking the salute, the princess then headed into the barracks where the soldiers proposed a toast in her honour – and she sipped a half pint of Guinness before chatting to soldiers and their families.

Kate chatted to Irish Guardsmen and their families in the Sergeants’ Mess at Wellington Barracks after putting money behind the bar for them to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

She told Corporal Adam Hamilton, an Australian reservist: “George finds it fascinating that he has been to Australia and New Zealand.

“I would like to go back there with them now. It’s finding time to do that. But I love to travel – yes, it’s a long flight. But I love the Middle East because that’s familiar to me (from) growing up. There are so many opportunities now to travel, I think it’s brilliant to experience it.

“We tend to go further afield when it’s official visits, it’s being able to carve out time to experience these countries in a more private capacity. Because otherwise you end up seeing lots of insides of amazing buildings but you don’t get to meet that many.. people. It’s making sure that you can combine a bit of work with… the children. I might see you down there!”

The Princess, who wore a bottle green coat and matching hat with a gold shamrock brooch of the Irish Guards, was also asked where she and her family lived.