Princess of Wales arrives in Italy

The Princess of Wales arrived to a very warm welcome in Italy.

Catherine, the Princess of Wales (44) arrived in high adulation in Northern Italy, marking her first overseas travel in over three years. The future Queen is in Reggio Emilia, marking a significant next step in the work of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood as it expands internationally. “She’s energised, she’s enthused, she’s excited,” an aide said ahead of the trip. “She’s looking forward to seeing Reggio Emilia in action and meeting the people here, too.”

Spearheaded by the Princess, the visit, which is built on the Centre’s Shaping Us Framework, will focus on early childhood development and forms part of a high-level fact-finding mission to explore leading international approaches to supporting young children and those who care for them.

Members of the public had been queuing since the early hours of the morning to see Catherine. Shortly after 1 pm, the Princess was welcomed at the Piazza Camillo Prampolini, Reggio Emilia’s Town Hall. She was formally met by Mayor Marco Massari in the Piazza, who introduced the Prefect of Reggio Emilia, Salvatore Angieri. Before heading inside, the Princess greeted a line of local school children and shared a hug with a royal fan. Her Royal Highness then proceeded inside for discussions and an official meeting with civic leaders.

Once inside, the Princess will join a discussion focusing on the historical, cultural and educational circumstances that led to the development of the Reggio Emilia Approach. The mother of three was joined by some of the key figures who played a key role in shaping the Reggio philosophy, namely Carla Nironi, Iona Bartoli, and  Eletta Bertani. These women were all born around the beginning of the Second World War and helped shape the Reggio Emilia philosophy we see today. This moment offered the Princess an opportunity to see firsthand the strong civic engagement that underpins the city’s educational identity.

“It is extraordinary, and that is why I wanted to come and visit Reggio Emilia because your history is so rich, and I have always been fascinated by the philosophy,” the Princess said at the start of her visit.

Following her time in the Piazza Camillo Prampolini, Reggio Emilia’s Town Hall, the Princess went on a walkabout meeting some 3,ooo members of the public who waited hours for that very moment. The crowds, which even surprised Kensington Palace itself, roared with shouts of “Kate, Kate, Kate!” Some even donned British fascinators to be in the festive spirit. One even held a large cardboard cutout of the Princess while another held a sign which said “CIAO KATE”. One mother held her baby over the barriers, with Catherine spending a quick moment with the two. The adulation for the future Queen was rampant.

Catherine then departed the Piazza and headed to her next engagement of the day.