This past Saint Patrick’s Day (2025), Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales (Princess Catherine/Kate) replayed a tradition dating back 125 years.
And in our view, the best moment involved ‘Turlough Mór.’
Turlough Mór, an Irish Wolfhound more commonly known as Seamus, is named for Turlough Mór of Connaught, High King from 1136 to 1156. The four year old Irish Wolfhound has been the 17th Regimental Mascot of the Irish Guards since 2020, and part of his “job description” includes participating in ceremonial events. (such as the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and attending recruiting events).
One of the most cherished ceremonies is the “shamrock presentation” to officers, guardsmen and regiment mascot.
The shamrock is deeply rooted in Irish culture and symbolizes the Holy Trinity according to Christian tradition. It also represents unity, faith, and Irish heritage, a powerful symbol for the Irish Guards. The presentation is typically performed by a senior member of the Royal Family, and as the Colonel of the Irish Guards since 2023, the role fell to Princess Catherine, Princess of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Rothesay, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Chester, Countess of Carrick, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness of Renfrew, Baroness Carrickfergus, and Lady of the Isles.
Acquired from a breeder in North Yorkshire, Seamus lives with the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards at Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow, and is handled by drummer, Joseph Aldridge. Seamus is a beloved figure within the Irish Guards and is often a highlight of their events. Check out the moment below which also reveals Princess Catherine’s affection for dogs:
The presentation of shamrocks dates back to 1901 when Queen Victoria offered them as a symbol of appreciation for the Irish regiments’ gallantry during the Boer War. Many Irishmen served in British regiments, such as the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and the Royal Irish Regiment, and demonstrated remarkable bravery, particularly during battles like Talana and Elandslaagte. The Irish regiments suffered substantial casualties, an estimated total of 4,879 casualties, including 1,800 deaths reported by the General Registrar of Ireland.
Unlike other events, the shamrock ceremony includes veterans, serving soldiers, and families and serves to foster a sense of unity and shared identity among past, present, and future members of the Irish Guards.
As for the history of Irish Wolfhounds with the Irish Guards, it dates back to 1902 when the United Kingdom’s Irish Wolfhound Club presented the Guards their first mascot. Originally named Rajah of Kidnal, the dog was later renamed Brian Boru after a famous Irish king, but nicknamed Paddy. He served as the first mascot from 1902 to 19105. The tradition of having an Irish Wolfhound as a mascot was formalized in 1961 when the breed was officially recognized as an Army mascot. This entitled the dog to veterinary care and other benefits at public expense.
To our knowledge, the Irish Guards are the only Guards regiment permitted to have their mascot lead them on parade. Though the dog has never been dressed up on parades, there are certain occasions that the wearing of a cape is acceptable such as the red linen cape worn for State ceremonial occasion (though weather determines the cape because the Wolfhound is never allowed to be distressed by heat on a parade).
Photo taken by Elf | Talk and shared under the GNU Free Documentation License