The Princess of Wales was given a rapturous welcome in the Italian city of Reggio Emilia on Wednesday as she embarked on her first major royal tour in more than three years. The visit, focused on innovative early years teaching methods, marks a significant milestone in her recovery from cancer.
Arrival in Reggio Emilia
Kate was welcomed by the city’s mayor, Marco Massari, in Piazza Prampolini, where hundreds of locals had gathered. Some held Union flags, while others watched from balconies and cheered as she stepped from her car wearing a trouser suit and waved to the crowds. Before entering the town hall, she crouched down to speak with nursery-age children near the entrance and spent a few minutes chatting with the mayor.
Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood
The two-day visit is part of her work with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. An aide described it as a “really significant moment” after her cancer recovery, with Kate “taking it up a gear” in her “global mission.” The future Queen aims to take her early years crusade worldwide, sparking conversations on the issue.
Early years have been central to Kate’s public work for over a decade. Last week, she launched a new resource for those working with young children and their families through her foundation.
