Princess Catherine Makes First Overseas Visit to Italy After Cancer Remission

Princess Catherine has made her first overseas visit since entering cancer remission , travelling to Italy for a two-day engagement focused on early childhood education, marking a significant milestone in her gradual return to international duties.

The Princess arrived in Reggio Emilia, where she was welcomed by large crowds waving flags and signs reading “Ciao Kate”. She began her programme at city hall, where she was introduced to civic leaders and briefed on the region’s globally recognised Reggio Emilia approach to early education, which emphasises creativity, relationships, and child-led learning.

As part of the visit, she toured the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre , a key hub for educational philosophy, where she participated in a hands-on clay workshop with educators and children, engaging directly with learning methods that define the model. She also met pioneers of the approach and international delegates studying its global application.

During her engagements, the Princess greeted children in Italian, smiled for selfies, and interacted warmly with families gathered outside venues. Her visit included emotional public exchanges and extended interactions with educators who highlighted her interest in early years development.

In recognition of her work, she was awarded Reggio Emilia’s highest civic honour, the Primo Tricolore , presented at the historic Sala del Tricolore inside city hall.

Kensington Palace said the visit forms part of her ongoing work through the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood , which she founded in 2021 to promote awareness of early years development.

Officials and residents described the visit as both a symbolic and personal moment, linking her recovery journey with a renewed focus on child development advocacy.