It was always going to be a big deal: the Princess of Wales’ first solo overseas trip since her cancer diagnosis. But her visit to Italy proved more momentous than imagined, with Catherine at her best as she engaged with locals with a natural charm that won the hearts of all she met in the small town of Reggio Emilia.
With children front and centre, the princess was in her element, cementing her power to change the lives of millions of young people around the world. The mum of three specifically chose Reggio Emilia for her comeback international visit as it’s known for a pioneering approach to early education.
Before seeing the method in action, Catherine enjoyed a brief walkabout in the main square, where 3000 people had gathered for a glimpse of the future queen. They chanted “Bellisima!” (beautiful) and handed the princess gifts of flowers and cards. Catherine thrilled well-wishers with her efforts to speak Italian – she learned the basics of the language when she spent three months in Florence in 2000.
“Call me Caterina,” she said.
Children looked at ease in her presence as Catherine spoke to them in Italian.
A deeply emotional visit
Children at the schools and early education centres rushed to hug her, while teachers praised her warmth and genuine nature. Meanwhile, the visit seemed to be very emotional for Catherine.
“I’ve had such a deeply moving and unforgettable time here,” she said.
“Thank you to the people of Reggio Emilia for welcoming me into a culture of care with such warmth and generosity.”
The success of the two-day trip now looks set to take the princess around the world as she continues to champion early childhood development. According to some reports, one of the first things she said to her team when the visit ended was, “Where next?”
An aide described the visit as a “really successful moment”, with an “enthused and energised” Catherine taking her royal role “up a gear”.
A royal star returns
Royal commentator Jennie Bond says the trip was a test of sorts, especially as the 44-year-old had cut her workload after taking time off to have gruelling cancer treatment in 2024.
“This visit will no doubt be the gateway to further official trips,” says Jennie.
“She has a star quality that no other royal can bring to an occasion and that’s a valuable asset for the monarchy.”
For many, the reception Catherine received was remniscent of the response to Princess Diana when she travelled overseas.
“Seeing the throngs who turned out to cheer Catherine in Italy gave me a sense of déjà vu,” says Jennie.
“It was the sort of near mass hysteria I witnessed pretty much wherever Diana went.”
Just like a nonna makes: “Pasta me the sauce!”
A cause close to Catherine’s heart
Like her late mother-in-law, Catherine is passionate about raising awareness of something she strongly believes in. She founded the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021 and describes the work it does into the effect of those crucial early years on children as her life’s work.
In Reggio Emilia, while observing children learning in a garden, she talked about the power of nature and had no issues with handling newts. She also spoke about the need in this fast-paced digital world to encourage children to slow down and “to notice things in their sensory world”.
She also took part in a clay workshop and revealed that she played games with her children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, during lockdown. Later rolling up her sleeves to make pasta, Catherine shared that when she makes it at home, she doesn’t use a big bowl “and it goes everywhere”, adding, “It’s a good workout.”
Catherine is expected to accompany her husband, Prince William, 43, on a trip to India later this year for the Earthshot Prize, but in the meantime, her staff will search for overseas opportunities to further her important work.
The trip was a significant milestone for the princess who will continue to shine a light on her passion for early childhood education on a global stage
Related
