The Princess of Wales has arrived in Italy for her first major overseas royal visit since undergoing cancer treatment, beginning her trip by receiving the city of Reggio Emilia’s highest honour for her work in early years development.
Kate will be presented with the Primo Tricolore at the city’s town hall, in what an aide described as a “really significant moment” after her recovery. The two-day visit to Reggio Emilia, near Bologna, marks the Princess “taking it up a gear” in her “global mission” to champion early childhood initiatives.
For over a decade, early years development has been central to the future Queen’s public work. The visit follows the recent launch of a new resource for professionals working with young children, developed by her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. Christian Guy, the foundation’s executive director, who is accompanying the Princess, underscored the urgency of early years, equating its importance to global issues such as climate change.
During her time in Italy, the Princess will explore the Reggio Emilia Approach, a globally recognised teaching method pioneered in the city. This philosophy emphasises the roles of parents, educators, and the environment – often called “the third teacher” – in a child’s development.
The Princess of Wales revealed at the start of last year that she was in remission following chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer. Her last major international engagement was in December 2022, when she travelled to Boston with the Prince of Wales for the Earthshot Prize award ceremony.
At a reception in Reggio Emilia’s town hall, Kate will meet civic leaders and key figures who shaped the Reggio Emilia education philosophy. Before departing, she is also expected to greet members of the public in the square outside the civic building.
