**Princess of Wales Embraces Italian Roots During Reggio Emilia Visit**
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On 13 May 2026, the Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton, embarked on a significant visit to Italy, her first international engagement since recovering from cancer. The trip, which focuses on early childhood education, saw her warmly welcomed by the community in Reggio Emilia. The Princess delighted local children in the town square with her Italian language skills as she introduced herself as “Catarina”, showcasing her enthusiasm for the culture of the host nation.
During an interaction at Piazza Camillo Prampolini, the Princess engaged with about 20 preschoolers from the local Robinson Pre-School. “I speak a bit of Italian. What is your name? I am Catarina,” she enthusiastically remarked in Italian, demonstrating not just a grasp of the language, but an effort to connect personally with the children. One of the five-year-old pupils, Alice, commented, “She asked my name in Italian. She spoke Italian very well,” highlighting the positive impression the Princess left.
Teacher Roberta Marzi shared her sentiments about the encounter, calling it “emotional” and noting that the Princess’s Italian was “perfect”. Marzi added that Princess Kate’s clarity in conversation made the exchange even more meaningful for the young children. This visit underscores the Princess’s long-standing commitment to early education, an area she has passionately championed over the years.
Catherine’s interest in Italian culture is not new; she studied in Florence during 2000 before pursuing her education at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she met Prince William. Despite her previous light-hearted admissions of struggling with the language, she made a commendable effort during this visit, with aspirations for her children to excel in Italian.
The significance of this visit is amplified by the context of the Princess’s recent health challenges. In March 2024, she announced her cancer diagnosis, and by January 2025, she shared news of her remission. An aide noted the importance of the trip to her recovery journey, stating, “This is an important step in the Princess’ recovery journey. She takes great joy from this work.” The visit reflects her deep commitment to that work, especially in the field of early childhood development.
The Princess continues to engage actively with various educational initiatives through her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The Reggio Emilia Approach, renowned for its innovative educational philosophy, aligns closely with her objectives, making this trip both timely and relevant. It is a valuable opportunity to learn from the Italian model, renowned globally for its focus on nurturing children at a young age.
During the visit, Kate was also presented with the ‘Primo Tricolore’, the highest honour bestowed by the city, a gesture symbolising the strong ties and respect the community has for her efforts. The honour was awarded by Marco Massari, the Mayor of Reggio Emilia, reflecting the mutual appreciation between the local officials and the Princess.
As the Princess of Wales, Catherine represents not only the monarchy but also a modern, compassionate approach to her royal duties. With her three children—Prince George, aged 12, Princess Charlotte, aged 11, and Prince Louis, aged 8—she aims to cultivate a better understanding of educational practices worldwide, particularly those that foster early childhood development.
The trip runs until 14 May, and while it marks a new chapter in her public service journey, her personal health journey has also played a significant role in shaping her activities. The Princess’s commitment to early childhood education appears not just as a professional crusade, but also as a personal mission to ensure that future generations thrive and succeed, making her time in Italy all the more impactful.