Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge was pictured smiling and laughing alongside Prince William as Lieutenant Colonel Rob Money placed his bearskin hat on his 20-month-old toddler. The doting dad could be seen holding on to the heavy hat by its base to avoid overwhelming daughter Gaia with the weight. Kate, donning a traditional green coat and a matching pill-box hat, was in stitches as she observed the pair sharing the sweet moment, with the Duke of Cambridge looking on at the young girl nearly disappearing inside the hat with a smile on his face.
The Duchess had received two small bouquets of pink roses and peonies from Gaia only minutes before as she prepared to watch the annual St Patrick’s Parade at Mons Barracks, Aldershot. Another picture shows Kate beaming as she caresses a focussed Gaia on the head as the toddler looks out at the commotion at the end of the parade.
Commenting on the moment, Twitter user @Pooja33719735 said: “Such an adorable moment as 20-month-old Gaia Money, daughter of Commanding Officer Robert Money, gives the Duchess of Cambridge a posy during her visit to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards! ” “That little Sweetie is going to grow up with the photos to refresh her memory that she met Catherine, when she was still the #DuchessofCambridge.”
@Herontus said: “And genuine joy from the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge. What a wonderful photo for the wee girl to treasure forever.” @luveebetee05 added: “Adorable! This little girl has stolen the show! Beautiful! Maybe she will become be a future Royal. She’s adorable!”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were the guests of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards as Prince William is Colonel of the Irish Guards. After watching the parade, which included Seamus, the battalion’s wolfhound mascotte, Kate handed out sprigs of shamrock to the guardsmen. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked sombre as they took the salute while the battalion passed in front of them.
Before travelling to Aldershot, Prince William and Kate wished everyone a happy St Patrick’s Day. They wrote: “Happy #StPatricksDay wherever in the world you’re celebrating today!” The visit concluded with Kate and William sitting for the Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess photographs they traditionally take with the guardsmen. The Duke and Duchess also took a photo with Irish Guards in every rank in the British Army.
