Catherine yesterday began a two-day visit to Italy, centred on her work in the early years, which highlights the crucial role the first five years of life has on the rest.
The Princess of Wales has campaigned on this topic for the last six years in an official capacity, and the destination of Reggio Emilia, in northern Italy, was chosen for this royal visit due to the city’s support of children’s first years of life: the Reggio Emilia approach is a student-centred educational philosophy that views children as curious, capable individuals who lead their own learning.
Royal arrival in northern Italy
The Italian crowds cheered as The Princess of Wales arrived in the square of Reggio Emilia, wearing a blue trouser suit by the British-Canadian designer Edeline Lee. It was accessorised with a powder blue bag from Asprey.
This is the Princess’ first overseas trip since she made her cancer diagnosis public in 2024; her last overseas trip was to Boston with her husband, Prince William, for the Earthshot Awards in 2023.
A warm Italian welcome
Catherine was met by Mayor Marco Massari. Before going into the Town Hall, she made a stopped to chat with pre-school children in the local tongue.
She said: ‘I speak a bit of Italian. What is your name? My name is Catherine [Catarina]’. During her gap year in 2000, the then-Kate Middleton spent three months in Florence, where she learned to speak some Italian.
The Royal took part in a discussion focusing on the historical, cultural and educational circumstances that led to the development of the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasises learning through exploration, play, and collaboration, often using art to express ideas.
Teachers acting as guides rather than instructors – making it align greatly with Catherine’s research in this space.
Receiving the Primo Tricolore honour
In recognition of her work in the early years sector, the Princess was also presented with the ‘Primo Tricolore’, the highest honour in Reggio Emilia in the form of the Italian flag. In the main chamber of the Town Hall, the Mayor, led a short ceremony, reading out Catherine’s credentials for championing the early years.
After hearing the translated version the Princess said: ‘Wow, what an honour. I’m very grateful, it’s very gratefully accepted’.
She then spent 30 minutes with local ‘nonnas’ – grandmothers – who told her about their work spreading the Reggio Emilia method through their community.
Speaking with the help of a translator Catherine said: ‘I love that you put children and childhood at the heart of the community, and I’m really fascinated to learn more about it’.
The Princess told the Mayor: ‘I’m really grateful for the welcome’, before signing the visitors’ book.
After leaving her first engagement, she took part in a walkabout to the public’s delight, shaking hands with many people wearing or bearing Union flags.
Exploring the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre
Catherine’s second stop of the day was the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre to learn more about the Reggio Emilia approach. She met educators and practitioners to learn about key concepts of the educational philosophy, how it supports social and emotional development and how it aligns with the Shaping Us framework.
She was welcomed by the centre’s president Maddalena Tedeschi, her host and International Relations lead Emanuela Vercalli and Education Area Co-ordinator, Paola Ricco. The centre was opened in 2006 and serves as a meeting place for international researchers, teachers and families, focusing on creativity, research and documenting children’s learning.
The Princess then took part in an immersive clay atelier workshop.
In the evening, the future Queen visited Scuola Comunale d’Infanzia Anna Frank. It is a local pre-school for children aged 3-6 years, which uses the Reggio Emilia approach.
Catherine saw the approach in action as she spoke with staff, parents and schoolchildren, taking in a creative session with a group of children, to learn more about the impact of this educational philosophy for the school and the children.
The topic was ‘Winds of Stories’ which is also the theme for the storytelling festival in the city next week.
This visit could be the start of a series of international visits to places which have developed their own approaches for children and the early years. An aide to the Princess said: ‘She wants to look at other models around the world and really create a global conversation’.
