The Princess of Wales has embarked on her first overseas trip since completing cancer treatment, visiting Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. According to multiple reports, Kate was welcomed by hundreds of locals in Piazza Prampolini, where she received cheers and waved to the crowds wearing a blue trouser suit. This marks her first official foreign tour since 2022 when she accompanied her husband Prince William to Boston for his Earthshot Prize award ceremony.
Key Takeaways
The Princess of Wales visited Reggio Emilia, Italy to learn about its pioneering early childhood education approach. This marks her first overseas trip since completing cancer treatment.
- Kate received a warm welcome from locals and met with educators and children during her two-day visit.
- She was awarded the Primo Tricolore, Reggio Emilia’s highest civic prize.
- The Princess visited schools emphasizing outdoor learning and environmental education.
- Kate wore an Italian blazer and locally designed jewelry, showcasing diplomatic dressing.
- Her visit highlights early years support, central to her public work.
The visit centers on the 'Reggio Emilia approach' to early years development, an educational philosophy that emphasizes relationships, environment, and community in a child's growth. As reported by Reuters and TimesLIVE, Kate will meet with administrators, teachers, parents, and children during her two-day stay. She is expected to visit two public pre-schools organized around open communal spaces known as 'piazzas,' which encourage experimentation with materials, colors, and sounds.
The Princess of Wales was awarded the Primo Tricolore, Reggio Emilia’s highest civic prize, consisting of a replica of Italy's national flag. According to Sky News, an aide described the visit as a 'really significant moment' after her recovery from cancer treatment. Kate underwent chemotherapy and announced she was in remission in January 2025.
The trip highlights early years support, central to Kate's public work for over a decade. She founded The Centre for Early Childhood in 2021 to raise awareness of the importance of early years' experiences. As noted by BBC, the visit could be the first in a series of international trips focusing on various approaches to helping children in their early years.
Daily Mail Online reports that on her second day, Kate visited the Salvador Allende Scuola dell'infanzia school, which emphasizes outdoor learning and environmental education. The 'Reggio Emilia Approach' considers the natural environment as 'the third teacher.' She also visited a creative resource center supported by local businesses to learn how they support early childhood education through recovered materials. For her final engagement in Italy, Kate will visit an agriturismo (farm-stay) to reflect on her experiences and learn how to make pasta.
Kate greeted well-wishers with 'I am Catarina' as she won hearts in Italy and marked her royal comeback in style. She met children, including a three-month-old baby named Elena, posed for selfies, and chatted with residents of Reggio Emilia. The city is known for its pioneering approach to young children's education, which aligns closely with Kate’s own advocacy work.
According to Daily Mail Online, the Princess showcased diplomatic dressing by wearing a Blazé Milano blazer and locally designed jewelry from Kiki McDonough and Atelier Molayem. Her outfit included a flowy pleated skirt, white top, taupe Camilla Elphick 'Alicia' slingbacks, and a bracelet with charms featuring her children's initials. The Princess also engaged with locals by speaking basic Italian learned during her gap year in Florence.
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