The Princess of Wales received a rapturous welcome in Italy as she returned to foreign royal tours for the first time in three years, in what aides described as a 'significant moment'.
Warm Reception in Reggio Emilia
Chants of 'Kate, Kate, Kate' rang out around a piazza in Reggio Emilia after she was welcomed by Mayor Marco Massari and received the city's highest honour, the Primo Tricolore, during a town hall ceremony. The honour recognised her efforts promoting early years development, a subject that prompted her visit to learn more about an innovative teaching approach pioneered in the city.
After Mr Massari read out Kate's early years credentials, the princess put her hand on her heart and said: 'Wow, what an honour. I'm very grateful, it's very gratefully accepted.'
Focus on Early Childhood
For over a decade, childhood development has been central to the future queen's public work. The visit comes after Kate recently launched a new resource for those working with young children and their families from her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. She has travelled to speak with practitioners and parents involved in the Reggio Emilia Approach, a globally recognised method that emphasises the importance of parents, educators, and environment—'the third teacher'—surrounding a child.
Kate first arrived to screams, whoops, and shouts of 'bellissima' and told the mayor the warm welcome left her 'emotional, seeing everyone'. 'Aww, thank you,' she said, putting her hand on her heart and looking around at hundreds of people.
Speaking Italian with Children
Kate spoke Italian to a group of pre-school children, a language she learned during a gap-year stay in Florence. She introduced herself as 'Caterina' as she crouched down to chat with the youngsters. 'Parlo un po' d'italiano,' she said, before asking their names. 'Come ti chiami? Io sono Catarina.' Five-year-old Alice said afterwards: 'She asked my name in Italian. She spoke Italian very well.'
Engaging with the Community
During the town hall reception, the princess chatted with local grandmothers known as 'nonnas'—Carla Nironi, Iona Bartoli, and Eletta Bertani—who through interpreters described their work spreading the Reggio Emilia method through the community. 'I love that you put children and childhood at the heart of the community, and I'm really fascinated to learn more about it,' said Kate.
Later, the future queen spent 15 minutes meeting the public outside, shaking outstretched hands, posing for selfies, and even stroking the feet of a baby hung over a crash barrier. Baby Elena, aged three months, was held up by her mother Marta and beamed as the princess stopped to play with her.
Michael Cocchi, 51, from Parma, who was wearing a Wales rugby top, handed Kate a bouquet as she greeted well-wishers and appeared to say 'piacere'. Mr Cocchi said: 'I gave Kate some flowers, pink and white roses, because I've loved Great Britain since I was a child. I admire British culture, British history, and I'm inspired by British literature. I think the royal family still has an important role in British culture.'
