Kate Middleton is taking on a new identity while in Italy.
While meeting kids in Reggio Emilia’s town square, the Princess of Wales introduced herself with a different name.
“I speak a bit of Italian. What is your name? I am Catarina,” she told the children, according to Daily Mail.
Kate Middleton greets crowds in New York City in 2014. By: Monika Graff/MEGA
Catarina with an “a” or Caterina with an “e” are the Portuguese or Spanish and Italian version of Catherine [Kate].
Elsewhere on her tour, Kate was all smiles as she greeted a woman with a small baby.
The former Duchess of Cambridge’s appearance is her first solo trip since announcing her remission from cancer to promote early childhood development.
“This is an important step in the Princess’ recovery journey. She takes great joy from this work,” an aide told People about the visit.
“I think it is only right that her first international trip since her illness is one that is focused on an issue she is committed to championing for decades to come,” they added.
Commentator Rafe Haydel-Mankoo echoed the importance of Kate’s appearance. “She is the secret weapon of the royal family,” he told GB News.
“I think her cancer diagnosis and her treatment humanized her in a way very few other royal experiences ever could,” the reporter said.
“I think undertaking that on her own, really underscores the point of her in a renewed strength and also more importantly, of her value to the monarchy and her ability to conduct such activities,” Heydel-Mankoo noted.
Kate Middleton visits the University of East London in 2026. By: MEGA
“As her royal highness’s strength improves, she knows full well that she needs to play a full part in putting her back to the wheel,” the journalist noted.