The prince also spoke directly to the families gathered to express how “truly grateful” he feels, before concluding, “On this, my 13th and final St. Patrick’s Day as colonel, not only am I saddened that I’ll likely fail once again to finish a pint of Guinness…but I am also sad that I won’t in future see more of you, the families, whose unwavering support enables these outstanding men and women to do what they do.
“I may be stepping aside, but in Colonel Catherine you have a committed, focused, and already incredibly loyal 11th Colonel. As you serve together over the years ahead, know that I will continue to watch you, with huge pride in having been one of you.”
He also paid tribute to Major General Sir Sebastian Roberts, his predecessor as Colonel, who died last week, adding, “He was, quite simply, a phenomenon. I was proud to know him, and I extend mine and Colonel Catherine’s heartfelt condolences to Lady Roberts and his family, and to you—his other family: the Irish Guards.”
Following the bittersweet speech, the Princess of Wales delivered a special message of her own. She stated: “I really couldn’t be prouder to stand in front of you here today. It really is a true honor to be your colonel. 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.
