The Princess of Wales has touched down in Italy for her first engagement abroad in years following her cancer diagnosis and she has impressed locals by speaking the lingo. The royal took time to speak to young children upon her arrival and she flexed her language skills, leaving them commending her “perfect” speech.
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…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Princess Kate took time to chat to lots of children outside
Princess Kate speaks Italian
The future Queen made sure to get down on the children’s level to chat to them and it was later revealed by our Royal Editor, Emily, that Kate even spoke Italian to the young kids. Around 20 children aged between three and five-years old from Reggio Emilia-based Robinson Pre-School, greeted the princess in the main square.
Alice, 5, said afterwards: “She asked my name in Italian. She spoke Italian very well.”
Teacher Roberta Marzi said meeting the princess was ‘emotional’.
She added: “She asked them some simple questions but her Italian was perfect she spoke clearly.”
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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.
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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.
Discover the real Princess Diana
To celebrate the legacy of the People’s Princess in the year she would have turned 65, HELLO! is hosting an intimate live podcast event on Wednesday 24 June at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences in London, a five-star hotel that was visited by Diana herself as well as the then-Prince Charles, and the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip – and for just £70 (discounted tickets available for HELLO! VIP members) you can be there.
What’s included in the ticket?
- Access to HELLO!‘s royal experts Emily Nash and Andrea Camaano, and our guest speakers Ingrid Seward, Andy Webb, and Jacques Azagury, plus a Q&A with the audience
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea (valued at £85pp) while listening to the fascinating conversation
- The chance to see one of Princess Diana’s elegant dresses in person and take a photo with it
- A luxury goodie bag including beauty products from brands loved by the royals
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 the
documentation of children’s learning.
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Princess Kate got hands on at the centre
Hands-on moment
Never one to just sit back, Princess Kate tried her hand at one of the creative tools at the centre.
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Princess Kate got crafty with clay
Clay O’Clock
Kate then took part in a clay atelier workshop,
led by atelierista, Marco Spaggiari.
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The royal sat down for a chat
Time for tea
The Princess of Wales sat down for a drink and a chat at Loris Malaguzzi International Centreto share her thoughts on childhood studies and development.
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Kate’s final engagement saw her at a nursery
Back to school
Kate’s final visit of the day saw her visit a pre-school, designed for children aged between three and six. In one of the rooms, there were several children painting flowers. During conversations, the royal asked whether any had touched the flower’s “soft” petals.
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What a way to say goodbye
Kate says her farewells
As the royal said her goodbyes, two of the students plucked up the courage to ask for a hug. And as you can see, Kate indulged their adorable request!