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Princess Catherine arrives in Reggio Emilia for first international visit in three years
Crowds lined the streets of Reggio Emilia on Wednesday as the Princess of Wales began a two-day trip to northern Italy, marking her return to official overseas duties after a prolonged absence.
A milestone moment for the princess
This visit is the first time Catherine has undertaken an official international engagement since December 2022, when she traveled to Boston with her husband, Prince William. Since then, she has faced a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, announcing she was in remission in January 2025.
A royal aide described the trip as a "huge moment" for the princess, noting that it represents a significant step in her return to full royal responsibilities. "This is taking it up a gear," the aide said, adding that Catherine was "energised, enthused, and excited" to engage with the people of Reggio Emilia.
Early years education at the heart of the visit
The focus of Catherine's trip is her long-standing campaign to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood development. Reggio Emilia, a city renowned for its innovative approach to early years education, was chosen as the destination for this purpose.
The princess launched her Centre for Early Childhood in 2021, which examines how challenges in adulthood-such as mental health issues and addiction-can often be traced back to experiences in early childhood. During her visit, she will meet educators, parents, and children to learn about the city's distinctive Reggio Emilia approach, which prioritizes learning through play and the quality of relationships in a child's formative years.
"What matters most in that period is not just what children learn, but how they experience the people and the world around them. This especially includes the quality of their relationships, the environments they grow up in, and the sense of safety, connection, and expression they are able to develop."
Christian Guy, Executive Director of the Centre for Early Childhood
A global conversation on early childhood
According to a royal aide, this trip could be the first in a series of international visits aimed at exploring different models of early years support around the world. "She wants to look at other approaches globally and really create a broader conversation on this issue," the aide explained.
The princess's commitment to the cause was underscored by the aide, who noted, "It is only right that her first international trip since her illness is one that focuses on an issue she is dedicated to championing for decades to come."
Warm welcome in historic Italian city
Catherine, one of the most popular members of the British royal family, was greeted by enthusiastic crowds in Reggio Emilia. Well-wishers held bouquets of flowers and displayed a "Ciao Kate" poster in the town square, where barriers had been set up ahead of her arrival.
The princess is no stranger to Italy, having spent part of her gap year in Florence after leaving school. Her fond memories of the country may have added to her enthusiasm for this visit, which is expected to draw significant public interest.
What's next for the princess
Over the next two days, Catherine will tour schools and projects in Reggio Emilia, engaging with local communities to gain insights into the city's child development initiatives. The trip is seen as a pivotal moment in her gradual return to public life, following her health challenges and subsequent recovery.
