The Princess of Wales has had a busy year of engagements so far, with no fewer than three appearances at Wimbledon this summer alone. The Princess has also been working on some impressive personal projects, recently completing the National Three Peaks Challenge and, earlier this year, undertook her first official overseas trip since her cancer diagnosis.
This solo trip was particularly special to Kate, as it was connected to her work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which she founded. Back in May, the Princess travelled to Italy where she learned about the unique approach to raising children in Reggio Emilia. Speaking during a radio interview with Heart Breakfast, her husband, Prince William, revealed that Kate was now ‘edging herself back in to more and more trips like that.’
Prince William also outlined the impressive amount of preparation his wife had gone through in order to be fully up to date ahead of the visit. He said that Kate had been really ‘looking forward’ to the Italian trip and that she wanted to do ‘lots of researrch’ before she went.
‘She’s a proper pro on early years,’ Prince William said. ‘She spends God knows how much time now looking through paperwork.’ He even joked that he frequently finds himself, ‘fighting to get past the bedroom and all the paperwork she’s got lined up ready to read.’
Samir Hussein
The Princess of Wales with children in Reggio Emilia.
Luckily, the trip was a success, and Prince William said that Kate ‘came back buzzing’ and was hoping to take on others in the future, but there needed to be a balance. ‘Away trips like that take quite a lot out of you, because you’re on permanent receive the whole time,’ Prince William told presenters Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston. ‘So we have to balance that and make sure she’s okay and rested.’
However, Prince William added that the Princess was ‘in good form.’ Having completed the Three Peaks Challenge (climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis within 24 hours), and making a string of public appearances over the summer, it seems clear this is the case.
ANDREW MATTHEWS
The Princess of Wales made three appearances at Wimbledon this year.
Prince William said he was ‘so, so proud’ of Kate and that she had ‘been through so much in the last few years.’ He added that she is ‘an amazing mum and an amazing wife and literally our family couldn’t cope without her. She’s been absolutely stunning.’
The couple share three children together; Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The Prince and Princess of Wales brought their oldest two children to the final day of Wimbledon this year. The family came together to watch the men’s singles final, and see Kate present the winning trophy to Jannik Sinner.