Last week, on St. Patrick's Day,

Princess of Wales Catherine

and her husband

Prince William attended the Irish Guards Parade

.

On that day, she opted for a laconic blue coat from Catherine Walker, which was created for her individually, as well as pumps and an original hat.

However, what interested us the most in this image was a small and almost invisible accessory - a gold brooch in the form of a three-leaf clover, which has a very long and interesting history.

Princess of Wales / Photo: Associated Press

The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland, which is why the brooch is made in this design.

It is golden, and in the center it is decorated with a tiny round emerald connecting three petals.

What is so unique about this piece is that it does not belong to any royal family.

The brooch is owned by the Irish Guards and it is they who lend it to royal ladies associated with the regiment.

This year, Kate became the colonel of the Irish regiment, succeeding her husband in this position.

Princess of Wales / Photo: Associated Press

The author of the brooch is the well-known jewelry brand Cartier.

It is said that the ornament was originally presented by the Irish Guards to Princess Mary in 1961, but after her death in 1965, the brooch was sold at auction and repurchased by the Irish Guards.

Since then, this infantry regiment has been lending the brooch to its royal guests.

This ornament has been worn at various times by the Queen Mother and Princess Anne, but now the privilege has passed to the wife of Prince William, who has worn it every year since 2011.

The Princess of Wales in 2017 / Photo: Getty Images

The Princess of Wales in 2015 / Photo: Getty Images

Princess of Wales 2012 / Photo: Getty Images

The Princess of Wales in 2011 / Photo: Getty Images

The Princess of Wales in 2019 / Photo: Getty Images

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