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Royal News

The Princess of Wales set to arrive in Italy for major overseas visit

Catherine, The Princess of Wales speaks about her early years project, Shaping Us, on visit to Leeds

The Princess of Wales is set to arrive in Italy for her first overseas visit since her remission from cancer.

The Princess will spend two days in Reggio Emilia to find out more about their famous early years programmes.

Kate is heading to the northern Italian city to meet experts as well as parents and children in a packed two day trip.

Her last official overseas visit was in November 2022 when she headed to the US with Prince William for that year’s Earthshot Prize. Since then, she has been treated for cancer and announced she is in remission although her priority remains her recovery.

The visit to Italy has heightened speculation that another overseas trip, to the US, could be on the cards later this summer.

Reggio Emilia is home to a number of world famous early years programmes and projects. They include approaches centred on putting relationships, environment and community at the heart of a child’s development.

There is a focus on nurturing and creativity in the early years which has won international acclaim.

Supporting children in the first phase of their lives is a major focus of the Princess of Wales. This trip is part of work to expand the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, established by Kate, on an international level.

The focus of this two day visit is to see how how a shared understanding of social and emotional development can link with work going on around the world.

Reggio Emilia is also known for its cuisine and for being the birthplace of several celebrated artists, including the sculptor, Correggio.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.