The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has embarked on her first overseas work visit since her cancer diagnosis in 2024. During her two-day programme in Italy, she aims to delve into early childhood development, a cause that is particularly significant to her.
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On May 13, 2026, Kate initiated her trip in the charming town of Reggio Emilia, where she visited the Scuola Comunale d’infanzia Anna Frank, a preschool that exemplifies the Reggio Emilia Approach to education. This innovative educational philosophy, developed after World War II by Loris Malaguzzi, places children’s natural development at its core, encouraging self-directed learning, environmental interaction, and self-expression.
During her time at the preschool, she participated in a creative session led by an atelierista, or artist-educator, allowing her to witness first-hand the dynamic and artistic exploration that characterises the Reggio Emilia Approach. Interacting with the children, the Princess was greeted with enthusiasm, receiving ample hugs and high fives as she mingled with the young students.
While in Reggio Emilia, Princess Kate also seized the opportunity to connect with local children in the town square, speaking to them in Italian. Using the Italian version of her name, “Catarina”, she engaged with her young audience and confidently introduced herself. A local five-year-old, Alice, remarked that the royal’s Italian was “very good”, while teacher Roberta Marzi praised her clear and articulate questions during the interaction.
Princess Kate has long been an advocate for early childhood well-being and established The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021. Her initiative, the Shaping Us campaign, was launched in 2023 and focuses on the critical importance of the first five years of life for adult development. It aims to highlight the significance of social and emotional skills in fostering lifelong well-being.
This trip to Italy is regarded as a fact-finding mission for the Princess. She plans to engage closely with educators, parents, and thought leaders, furthering her understanding of the Reggio Emilia Approach and its applications. Given the international acclaim that this method has garnered for its innovative practices, her endeavours will likely inform her ongoing work in early childhood education.
The visit also marks a poignant moment in Kate’s personal journey, as it is her first international trip following her recovery from cancer. After spending much of 2024 in the background during her treatment, she returned to public engagements in early 2025, expressing the difficulties she faced during her recovery. Royal aides have indicated that this particular visit represents a significant milestone in her recovery, as it aligns her professional commitments with her personal healing process.
Christian Guy, the director of the Centre for Early Childhood, commended the Princess’s dedication to transforming societal attitudes towards early child development. He noted that Kate is passionate about shaping a future that prioritises the nurturing of children and their caregivers, highlighting the urgency she feels regarding early brain development. Guy emphasised that her efforts are aimed at addressing early childhood as a pressing societal issue, paralleling it with critical global challenges such as climate change.
As the Princess of Wales continues her pioneering work in early childhood development, her visit to Italy serves not only to enhance her knowledge and expertise in the field but also underscores her commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families. This trip is a reflection of her ongoing dedication to championing early childhood issues, demonstrating her belief that investing in the youngest members of society can yield vital benefits for the future.