Kate Middleton had a special treat for the Irish Guards despite missing this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. The Princess of Wales, 42 — who was named the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards in Dec. 2022 — was unable to attend the traditional parade on Sunday as she continues to recover from her abdominal surgery.
However, she put around $2,500 toward the bill at the regimental bar in the U.K. town of Aldershot so the soldiers could enjoy pints of Guinness to celebrate the occasion at the post-parade party, the Daily Mail reported. Kensington Palace and the Irish Guards didn’t immediately respond after being contacted by PEOPLE for comment.
Last year marked the first time Princess Kate attended the celebrations since being given her honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards title by King Charles. However, she’s attended the parade multiple times before that alongside her husband, Prince William, 41, who held the position before her.
Princess Kate’s traditional role of handing out shamrock sprigs for the guards to pin on their uniforms was carried out this year by Lady Ghika, wife of the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, Major General Sir Christopher Ghika.
In addition to issuing the shamrocks, dog lover Kate would usually greet Irish wolfhound Turlough Mor, who is known as Seamus. As Colonel, she’d also receive the royal salute. The Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, Major General Sir Christopher Ghika, took the salute at Sunday’s parade at Mons Barracks.
As well as helping with the bar tab, the Prince and Princess of Wales also marked the occasion by sharing a look at the Irish Guards’ rehearsals on Instagram. “Happy St Patrick’s Day! Here’s a sneak peak of the @irishguards rehearsing for their annual parade. Sláinte to all those celebrating today! 🇮🇪,” the royals captioned the post. It’s not known exactly when Princess Kate will return to royal duties following her Jan. 16 surgery at The London Clinic, but Kensington Palace previously suggested it will be after Easter.
“The surgery was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery,” the statement released Jan. 17 said. “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private,” the message continued. “Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.”
The Princess of Wales has not made a public appearance since Christmas. Some speculate Princess Kate will make her first outing since the procedure by joining the royals for their traditional Easter outing to church, which falls on March 31 this year.