Duchess Kate Middleton dons coat by Princess Diana's favorite designer for St. Patrick's Day

Amid reports that Kate Middleton is "less than pleased" with Prince William's ski trip antics, the couple stepped out as expected for the Irish Guards St Patrick's Day Parade in London on Friday.

After missing the event last year, Kate unsurprisingly made her return in green (though she didn't sport the color in 2015) -- and there's special significance in the coat she chose for the occasion. The velvet-trimmed piece is by Catherine Walker, who famously was the late Princess Diana's favorite fashion house. Kate also wore a piece by the same fashion house when she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte at the parade in 2015. This year, the royal mom of two paired the coat with a cocktail-like hat, matching green Gianvito Rossi pumps and an Irish Guard brooch.

See the duchess' St. Patrick's Day outfits over the years:

Following the appearance, William and Kate are set to leave for their short state visit to Paris. Among the many engagements they're expected to squeeze into their two-day visit is a black tie dinner hosted by Her Majesty's Ambassador. We'll keep our eyes peeled for Kate's inevitably stunning gown.

See more photos of Duchess Kate and Prince William at the parade: