Prince William, who is the colonel of the Aldershot-based regiment, stood by as the duchess gifted the symbolic Irish plant to officers, guardsmen and even regimental mascot Domhnall the wolfhound.
In keeping with the day, Kate wore an emerald green coat from Hobbs and matching hat by Gina Foster, along with a gold Cartier Irish Guards brooch - a Royal Family heirloom also worn by the Queen Mother.
The shamrock tradition dates back to 1901 - the year after the Irish Guards were formed - when Queen Alexandra, wife to King Edward VII, gave sprigs to the regiment for St Patrick's Day.
Around 300 guardsmen started proceedings this morning with a parade around Aldershot led by Domhnall before filing up to the Mons Barracks to receive the royal couple.
This year, for the first time, the Irish Guards were joined by reserve soldiers from the London Regiment as part of Army 2020, the Ministry of Defence's drive to boost reserves in the Army.
The 1st Battalion Irish Guards were formed in 1900 on the orders of Queen Victoria who wanted to recognise the many courageous acts of Irish soldiers in the Second Boer War.
Today only around 10% are actually Irish, with most soldiers coming from England and some from Commonwealth countries.
However, celebrating St Patrick's Day is still seen as a part of the pride and privilege of the regiment which consists of around 530 guardsmen around the world.
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