The Gist
Kate Middleton undertook a successful two-day visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy on May 13 and May 14.
It marked the Princess of Wales’s first official international trip since before her 2024 cancer diagnosis.
The future queen was reportedly “enthused” after the trip—and her next international trip could be before 2026 ends.
As Kate Middleton wrapped up a successful two-day visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy last week on behalf of her early childhood development work, she reportedly had two words for her staff: “Where next?”
That’s according to The Times, which reported that an “enthused” Princess of Wales “urged staff on the plane to draw up a list of future destinations” as she looks to take her mission global.
Kate Middleton in Reggio Emilia, Italy on May 14, 2026.
Credit: Getty
“She was extremely inspired by what she saw this week and will be really pushing the team to quickly find out where’s next on the map so that she can continue her mission on early childhood,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson told the outlet. “This is the first chapter in a much broader global effort led by the princess and the center to identify hopeful, evidence-based approaches to raising the whole child, mind, body, and spirit.”
The future queen’s visit to Italy from May 13 to May 14 was significant. It marked her first solo international trip in four years, since visiting Copenhagen, Denmark for her early childhood development work in 2022. It also marked her first official international trip since before her 2024 cancer diagnosis—a significant step.
Kate Middleton on May 14, 2026.
Credit: Getty
“The princess described the visit this week as ‘deeply moving and unforgettable,’” the palace spokesperson continued, adding, “She loved meeting the people of Reggio and was struck by the warmth of the welcome they gave her this week. It was incredibly special.”
A contender for Kate’s next international visit? India, where Prince William will take his Earthshot Prize Awards later this year. Whereas early childhood development is Kate’s life’s work, environmentalism is a pillar in William’s life’s work, and this November will mark the sixth iteration of the awards ceremony. Kate joined her husband in 2021 when the awards were in London and in 2022 when he took the ceremony to Boston, but he has flown solo since.
Prince William and Kate Middleton at the 2021 Earthshot Prize Awards in London.
Credit: Getty
Kate Middleton and Prince William at the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston.
Credit: Getty
The Mirror reported that “plans are being made” for both the prince and the princess to visit Mumbai, “while also taking on a politically sensitive trip to the capital Delhi,” the outlet reported.
“The Prince and Princess of Wales stand ready to assist the country however they can,” a royal source said. “The plans are in the early stages, but it promises to be an amazing experience.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton on January 20, 2026.
Credit: Getty
This would mark the couple’s second visit to India together; they visited that country along with Bhutan in April 2016, a full decade ago. Kate seems energized after her Italy trip, with The Mirror reporting that the Princess of Wales was “blown away” by the reception she received—including thousands in the streets lined up to greet her—and came home to the U.K. “full of excitement.”
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Mirror that Kate “has a star quality that no other royal can bring to an occasion. And that’s a valuable asset for the monarchy.”
Kate Middleton on May 6, 2026.
Credit: Getty
Kate Middleton on May 13, 2026.
Credit: Getty
“William will be equally pleased, and proud, to see his wife undertake an official solo trip abroad—it speaks volumes about her growing self-confidence after such a devastating health scare,” she continued. “If she feels comfortable about it, this visit will no doubt be the gateway to further official trips overseas,” adding that “Catherine has made it clear that her health and her family still come first.”
“So we shall all just have to be patient,” Bond said.
Read the original article on InStyle