The Princess of Wales has touched down in Italy for her first engagement abroad in years following her cancer diagnosis. The royal is in sunny Italy for a passion close to her heart. It is a two-day visit which focuses on the city’s renowned philosophy around early childhood development, often referred to as the Reggio Emilia approach. Kate has long had an interest in early childhood studies and this European trip shows her dedication to pushing the topic into the spotlight even further and has been described as a “gear change” for the royal.
The 44-year-old looked radiant on Wednesday as she stepped out at Piazza Camillo Prampolini in a designer blue suit by Edeline Lee. She then entered Reggio Emilia’s Town Hall, where the Princess will have a chance to chat with some of the women who shaped the approach. The pioneers are Carla Nironi, Iona Bartoli and Eletta Bertani.
Our royal editor, Emily Nash, is on the ground reporting from the incredible trip and our VIP Club members are able to get exclusive updates.
Stay tuned for the latest photos…
Crowds gather ahead of the arrival of Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the first day of her visit to Reggio Emilia on May 13, 2026 Italy
People are expecting Kate’s arrival soon
Excitement builds in Italy
Royal fans have gathered to catch a glimpse of the Princess of Wales, during the first day of her visit to Reggio Emilia.
People gather in a window ahead of the arrival of Catherine, Princess of Wales on the first day of her visit to Reggio Emilia on May 13, 2026 in Reggio Emilia, Italy
Some women have found the perfect view from above
The perfect view
A bunch of women were seen waving down to the street as they were poised for the royal’s arrival.
People wait for the arrival of Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales in front of Reggio Emilia Town Hall, as part of a two-day trip in Italy, on May 13, 2026
Flags were waving before the princess even arrived
A friendly welcome
“Ciao Kate” read one of the signs made by a royal fan as they eagerly awaited the arrival of Princess Kate at the Town Hall.
Mayor of Reggio Emilia Marco Massari waits for Catherine, Princess of Wales in Camillo Prampolini square, during the first day of her visit to Reggio Emilia on May 13, 2026 Italy.
Mayor of Reggio Emilia Marco Massari ahead of the Princess’ arrival
Welcomed by the Mayor
Mayor of Reggio Emilia Marco Massari was seen waiting for Catherine, Princess of Wales in Camillo Prampolini square.
Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales is welcomed by the mayor of Reggio Emilia, Marco Massari with a handshake
Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales is welcomed by the mayor of Reggio Emilia, Marco Massari with a handshake
A blue beauty
Princess Kate arrives in an all-blue suit by Edeline Lee, greeted by the mayor of Reggio Emilia, Marco Massari, with a handshake. The royal looked glowing with her hair perfectly waved for the occasion and she strutted with confidence for this landmark visit clutching an Asprey bag in powder blue.
Princess Kate stopped to speak to the public
Princess Kate stopped to speak to the public
Caring Kate
The royal bent down in her designer suit to speak to children upon her arrival.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, speaks to children as she arrives at the city hall on the first day of her visit to Reggio Emilia on May 13, 2026
Princess Kate took time to chat to lots of children outside
The future Queen made sure to get down on the children’s level to chat to them.
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The royal was even seen hugging a member of the public after a selfie together
The royal was even seen hugging a member of the public after a selfie together
A royal embrace
While it may not be usual protocol for royals to hug members of the public, Princess Kate decided to do exactly that on her arrival. She was seen hugging a lady after a selfie together.
Kate is visiting the area marking a significant next step in the work of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood as it expands internationally. Picture date: Wednesday May 13, 2026. (Photo by Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images)
The Princess was seen receiving flowers
Gifts for Kate
The royal graciously accepted a gift of flowers from one royal fan. Want to know if royal family members are allowed to keep gifts from the public? Here’s everything we know.
The Princess of Wales waves at crowds on her big arrival
The Princess of Wales waves at crowds on her big arrival
Making waves
The mother-of-three beamed as she waved at the crowds, looking incredibly chic in her designer suit which features a ruched detail at the back, extenuating her amazing figure. She matched her two-piece with a blue-hued Asprey bag.
Perfect blush
Princess Kate looked glowing for her visit
Perfect blush
Princess Kate stayed true to her signature makeup look, sporting a delicate smokey eye and a pop of colour on her cheeks. She was glowing!
Catherine, Princess of Wales greets a baby in the crowd as she visits the Piazza Camillo Prampolini
Princess Kate coos over adorable baby in Italy
Baby fever
Princess Kate couldn’t resist cooing over a three-month-old baby in the crowd. The royal pulled faces and smiles at the adorable tot.
Inside the town hall
The royal was the welcomed inside the town hall
Inside the town hall
Kate then sat down with the mayor inside Reggio Emilia’s Town Hall to chat with some of the women who shaped the childhood philosophy approach. The pioneers are Carla Nironi, Iona Bartoli and Eletta Bertani.
A special honour
Princess Kate was presented by a special Italian honour
A special honour
While inside, the Princess of Wales was presented with the ‘Primo Tricolore’, the city’s highest honour, in recognition of her early years work by the mayor of Reggio Emilia, Marco Massari.
The Princess of Wales departs after an event welcoming her to the city of Reggio Emilia at the start of her visit to Italy
Princess Kate stopped for selfies before departing
A swift selfie
After leaving the town hall, the Princess stopped for selfies, delighting royal fans. Prince William’s wife has been branded “glamorous” and “beautiful” by onlookers, reports our Royal Editor, Emily Nash.
Next stop
The Princess of Wales arrives at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre
Next stop
The next stop for the Princess of Wales was the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, a place where researchers, teachers, and families come together for thedocumentation of children’s learning.