Kate's Irish charm: An emerald Duchess presents St Patrick's Day shamrocks to guardsmen (and she's a knockout for one soldier)

The Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant today as she presented soldiers with shamrocks to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Kate wore an elegant green dress coat with a chocolate brown hat and an Irish Guards brooch that belonged to the Queen Mother as she attended the traditional parade in Aldershot.

But the excitement was all too much for one young soldier, who fainted to the ground in his stiff red uniform.

Queenly in green: Kate looked elegant in a dress coat in traditional green as she attended her first solo military engagement

Lucky pup: The Duchess of Cambridge bestows a traditional Irish shamrock on regimental mascot Conmeal

Bowled over: The event was too overwhelming for one young guardsman who passed out in his formal uniform during the Irish Guards' parade

What a knockout: A soldier collapsed while wearing his hot scarlet uniform as the servicemen met the Duchess

The Duchess watched the ceremonial military parade with a dazzling smile before bestowing lucky three-leafed clovers on 40 officers - and even their Irish Wolfhound mascot.

She glowed in her Emilia Wickstead dress and Lock & Co hat on her first solo military engagement, at the start of what will be a long-standing relationship with the Irish Guards.

The stylish hat is called the Betty Boop and costs £245, while the Duchess's gold brooch was worn by the late Queen Mother when she visited the Irish Guards every St Patrick's Day. 

The presenting of shamrocks dates back to the regiment's first St Patrick's Day in 1901, when the honour was given by Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward II.

Animal magic: Kate Middleton even impressed an Irish Wolfhound as she gave him a three-leafed clover at Mons Barracks

St Paddy's day tipple: Kate sipped a glass of Harvey's Bristol Creme sherry in the Junior's Mess at Aldershot Barracks

Latest in line: Members of the royal family have attended the parade by 1st Battalion Irish Guards for more than 100 years

Families, friends and veterans crowded the parade ground at Mons Barracks in Aldershot as 450 soldiers from the 1st battalion marched in scarlet tunics and bearskins.

Regimental mascot Conmeal also wore a red coat as Kate fixed a shamrock to his collar.

Her Royal Highness also handed the gifts to officers and warrant officers who in turn passed them around the rank and file in accordance with a century-old tradition.

The celebrations took place as Irish revellers across the country prepared for a night of celebrations.

Heads high: The magnificent ceremony came as Irish people across the world prepare to celebrate St Patrick's Day this evening

At ease: Kate shone in her Emilia Wickstead dress and brown court shoes as she met officers and guardsmen

Splash of colour: Kate was a hit with the 450 soldiers as well as the friends, family and veterans who filled the square

Last year, the Duke of Cambridge was appointed to the honorary rank of Colonel of the Irish Guard, and on June 25 the couple presented operational service medals in Windsor to the battalion for their Afghan deployment.

The 1st Battalion Irish Guards served in Helmand as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade on Operation Herrick-13, between September 2010 and April 2011.

Their principal task was training and mentoring the Afghan National Army, paving the way for eventual Afghan self-sufficiency in responsibility for the country's security.

Solo appearance: Kate and William presented medals to the battalion last June after the Duke of Cambridge was made a Colonel of the Irish Guard

Friendly face: The Duchess of Cambridge gives two young girls in pink and red dresses a beaming smile

The 30-year-old was greeted by Commanding Officer Major General William Cubbitt before making her way to the parade ground.

Shortly before the Duchess arrived, two soldiers had to be escorted from the parade ground when they appeared to faint in their bearskins.

The military band played the first few bars of God Save The Queen as Kate readied herself to present the shamrocks to the 40 Officers and Warrant Officers.

Those officers then issued shamrocks along the ranks as the band played Irish folk song Carrickfergus.

Affectionate: The 30-year-old spent time befriending the young children, who handed her a delicate posy

Perfectly poised: Kate looked confident and attractive as she impressed the crowds before attending a private lunch with officers

Kate then presented a sprig of shamrock to six-year-old wolfhound Conmeal.

Drummer Oliver Vaughey, 22, who has been a dog handler for two-and-a-half years, said: 'People saw him shake his collar, probably as a thank you.

'He has been our mascot for four years and always marches in front of the regiment.'

The Duchess continued to smile as she was presented with a posy by five-year-old Isabella Stevenson, daughter of the Regimental Sergeant Major.

Kate also spent time speaking to members of the Regiment Association and the Mini Micks cadets on the parade ground before being photographed with 100 Sergeants and then with 40 Officers.

Royal duty: The Duchess was photographed with 100 Sergeants and then with 40 officers

Likely lads: The Duchess posed for an official photograph wit the soldiers at Aldershot Barracks

Just beautiful: Kate looked sophisticated and natural with tumbling curls and understated jewellery

Before heading off for a private luncheon with Officers at the barracks, Kate visited the Junior Ranks Mess Hall where Guardsmen and Lance Corporals cheered and toasted the Duchess with cans of lager and small glasses of sherry.

One soldier said: 'Your Royal Highness. On behalf of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards we welcome you and wish you a Happy St Patrick's Day.

'We also thank you for the shamrocks that you have presented to us.'

Kind exchange: The young royal was thanked by soldiers and wished a happy St Patrick's Day

Honoured: After the ceremony, guardsmen and Lance Corporals cheered and toasted the Duchess with cans of lager and glasses of sherry

After she left, Captain Will Jenkins, 25, who celebrated St Patrick's Day in Afghanistan last year, said it was nice to be at home for the occasion.

He said: 'Last year I was in Afghanistan and the year before that I was in Kenya so this makes a huge difference.

'In Afghanistan I was on operations on HERRICK-13 but we still managed to celebrate St Patrick's Day. We were presented with a shamrock by the senior officer present and we sung a few songs and had a bit of a church service.

'Today has been fantastic. We are very lucky and honoured to have the Duchess here to carry out a long-standing tradition.

'It has always been the history. It's our heritage to be presented with a shamrock.'

It must be in the genes: Abbey and Sophia Crouch show off their long legs on a girls day out

With both of her parents being well known for their long legs and tall height, it was inevitable that she would inherit their famous assets.

Sophia Ruby was carried out and about around Liverpool, by her doting mother Abbey Crouch, and there was one obvious trait that the two girls shared.

The cute couple showed off their long legs as the lingerie model delicately carried the tot around town.

Here come the girls: Abbey and Sophia Crouch both show off their long legs

Abbey, who is married to England and Stoke City striker Peter Crouch, was dressed in a pair of tight fitting jeans that really accentuated her long slim pins.

The 26-year-old wore blue denim jeans with a black jacket and a pair of cream ankle boots.

Sophia was dressed in a very girly all pink outfit that consisted of tights, a cardigan, and lovely little dress.

In the genes: Both of Sophia's parents have long legs and the tot seems to have inherited the trait

As Sophia's long legs dangled down as Abbey held her in her arms, it was clear that the baby also had her mother's bright blue eyes.

The catwalk model and TV presenter has been busy lately organising a birthday party for Sophia, and she has big plans for the child's first celebration.

The football WAG will be holding the party at her home, next week, with lots of animals from a nearby farm for them to play with.

Like mother like father: Both Abbey and husband Peter Crouch have long legs

She said on Twitter: 'Organised a mini farm for Sophia's birthday they come to the garden pigs lamb lama Shetland pony bunnies goat sooooo excited x'.

Quick cut: Abbey and Sophia were seen leaving the All Star Barber Shop

The guest list for the birthday bash is set to be a who's who of celebrity children with some big names invited.

One of the famous tots expected to attend is Kai Rooney after Abbey tweeted fellow WAG Coleen to come along to the party.

Abbey said: '@ColeenRoo you must bring Kai over love literally decided to do something this week ha x'.

However, clothing designer Coleen told her that Kai had already had the same experience for his birthday.

Coleen said: '@OfficialClancy Arh Kai had a that for his farm yard party!!! The kids loved it!! X'.

Abbey and Sophia had were seen heading out of the All Star Barber Shop, however, neither girl looked like they had had a haircut.

Everything's a bit tighter... things don't wobble!' Kimberley Walsh displays the results of her theatre job in new Puma campaign

It appears as though all those gruelling hours onstage performing Shrek: The Musical are paying off for Kimberley Walsh.

The Girls Aloud star showcases a flat stomach as she high-kicks her way through a glamorous new ad campaign for Puma Bodytrain Spring/Summer 2012.

'Everything's a bit tighter, everything's a bit more compact,' the 30-year-old says. 'Things don't wobble, so that's got to be a bonus!'

 
Kimberley looks far more chic than most during her workout, with her perfectly tousled hair and fresh make-up.

Wearing a pink sports bra that shows off an enviably trim midriff, Miss Walsh gazes seductively at the camera as she lifts weights.

In another shot, she shows off her kickboxing prowess with a high-kick in black workout bottoms and a grey T-shirt.

'I work out two to three times per week, however before I was in Shrek I used to work out three to four times,' she says.

And stretch! Kimberley shows off moves she uses to warm up ahead of stage performances in the new ad campaign

'Currently I like to run outdoors, I'm not a fan of running in the gym because I get bored. By running outside I can be nosey and see what's going on. 

'My favourite workout at the gym is the free weights, it gives me the most rewards and makes me feel tightened and toned. I've recently got into Yoga and Pilates they both help me stretch out and I'm feeling much more flexible these days.

'Exercise makes me feel energetic and since working out I don't feel so tired. Exercise has made me more toned and has made me pretty strong which I'm proud about.'

The Shrek star also revealed that she enjoys working out with BFF Cheryl Cole, adding: 'She's really disciplined as well, so we kind of spur each other on.'

Kung fu kick: The Girls Aloud star showed off her kickboxing prowess

This week Cheryl told her friend off for not letting her in on her holiday plans.

When she heard Kimberley was taking off for a week, Cole wrote to her on Twitter: 'Erm. Where r you going from the 16th-22nd of April and why do I not know about it already.. #imallears *foldsarmstapsfoot*'

Kimberley replied: 'Ha ha Sal's doing a play in Sweden so I'm gonna visit her! Our holiday is gonna be when I finish *smiling* #loveourgirliehols,' referring to her sister Sally.

Cool down: The singer stretches out wearing lycra workout wear

Yasmin Le Bon reveals shunning friends to focus on family is the secret of her 26 year marriage

She might seem like the woman who has it all but Yasmin Le Bon has admitted that having a lasting marriage, successful career and three daughters has come at a price. 

Unlike many showbiz relationships, her marriage to Duran Duran star Simon Le Bon has stood the test of time, but the model has revealed it has meant friends have fallen by the wayside.

'I've had to accept that if you work, travel and have a family, you can’t keep friendships up. Anybody who thinks they can, without driving themselves into the ground, is mistaken,' she told this month's Easy Living magazine. 'One day friends will realise why you couldn’t always be there.'

What's her secret? Despite her youthful appearance at 47, Yasmin Le Bon says she doesn't have a strict beauty regime

The British beauty said she doesn't have time to miss her friendships because she can 'hangout' with daughters Amber, 22, Saffron, 20, and Tallulah, 17, and finds companionship with her beloved three pug dogs.

She added that another secret to her 26-year marriage has been to always given one another space. 'I would find a relationship living in each other’s pockets really hard – a surefire way to break up', she confessed.

She admits there has been tricky times but her attraction to Simon hasn't dimmed over the decades, 'I still fancy Simon. I always think he’s the best-looking guy in the room'.

But for any women hoping to find out beauty secrets from Yasmin's interview will be disappointed.

Woman's best friend: The model told Easy Living she can still party hard but also likes relaxing with her dogs

She has a body to die for and at 47 could pass for half her age, but she says her flawless appearance is down to luck and not lifestyle.

'I don’t deserve this face. I've tried to sabotage it for most of my life,' she said. 

The mother-of-three told the magazine she has no beauty tips to impart on how she has managed to maintain the looks that have kept her in demand as a supermodel since the Eighties. 

'I've only recently discovered water and sleep. I really don't spend a lot of time on grooming. I get given all sorts of creams and I just slap them on.'

'I still fancy him': Yasmin says the spark is still alive in her marriage to Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon, who she first met in 1984

For any skeptics, she revealed her appearance is not down to plastic surgery, because she knows people who have done it and 'felt worse before they felt better' - although she wouldn't rule it out in the future.

She also confessed she 'can still party harder than anyone', and while she always advises daughters not to mix their drinks, 'I don’t take my own advice'.

But the British beauty admits that her life with Simon isn't all rock n' roll anymore. 

In her spare time, she likes nothing better than drinking tea, doing a crossword and walking their dogs near their home in Putney.

Queen of the catwalk: Yasmin modelled for Stephane Rolland at this year's Paris Fashion Week

Cover star: Yasmin was interviewed in April's Easy Living

As well as continuing to be a cover star for magazine's like Easy Living, Yasmin's modelling work is also still flourishing on the catwalk.

In January, she stole the show at Paris Fashion Week when she looked stunning in a red silk jersey dress weighing 50 kilos, designed by Stephane Rolland.

The designer was full of praise for Yasmin after his show: 'I was totally engulfed by her beauty and persona. She is gentle, yet assertive… spicy, yet fresh… classic, yet rock 'n roll. A great muse!'

However, the model told Easy Living that despite such compliments, she still has body hang-ups like the rest of us.

'I do sometimes feel insecure – having spent years contorting myself into the strangest poses, a couple of years ago my back and hips gave out, so I had to stop exercising. I gained a lot of weight, but that’s life. 

'I’m very glad I listened to my body. And whether you look like Helena Christensen or not, we all have days when we don’t feel great.'