Reggio Emilia, Italy – 2026
The Municipality of Reggio Emilia had the honour of welcoming Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales on an official visit highlighting the internationally renowned Reggio Emilia Approach to early childhood education.
Through the Royal Foundation, the Princess of Wales supports initiatives dedicated to children’s development and family wellbeing. Her visit represents significant international recognition of a public educational experience that has, for decades, placed children’s rights, participation, and quality relationships at the centre of its philosophy.
Kate Middleton during her visit to the University of East London in Stratford, east London, on May 6, 2026.
Credit: Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP via Getty
A Recognition of a Living Educational Heritage
The Reggio Emilia Approach, founded in the post-war period of the 1950s, has evolved into a globally respected model of early childhood education. Built through the collective commitment of educators, pedagogistas, families, institutions, and local organisations, it continues to serve as a benchmark for innovation and inclusion in education.
Federico Ruozzi, President of the Preschools and Infant-Toddler Centres – Istituzione of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia, described the visit as both a source of pride and responsibility:
“This recognition honours the daily work carried out by our educators and staff, alongside the essential role of families. Our schools belong to the community; they are a shared heritage that we are committed to protecting and strengthening every day.”
During the visit, Her Royal Highness explored the educational ateliers and learned more about the pedagogical practices that define the approach, including the morning assembly—referred to by founder Loris Malaguzzi as the “children’s parliament”—where listening, dialogue, and participation are central elements of daily life.
Education as a Public Good and Democratic Practice
Marwa Mahmood, Councillor for Education Policy of the Reggio Emilia City Council, emphasised the broader significance of the visit:
“We are honoured to welcome the Princess of Wales to our city. Her interest recognises a public educational system that places rights, listening, participation, and the quality of relationships at its core.”
She further highlighted that, at a time when children’s rights face challenges in many parts of the world, continued investment in early childhood education represents both a collective responsibility and a commitment to building a more just future.
Kate Middleton meets with families in East London on May 6, 2026.
Credit : Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP via Getty
A Small City with Global Impact
Although Reggio Emilia is a relatively small Italian city, its educational philosophy has attracted scholars, researchers, teachers, and architects from across the globe for decades. The Princess of Wales’ visit underscores the city’s enduring international influence in the field of early childhood education.
The Municipality of Reggio Emilia reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding this educational legacy, ensuring that it continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its founding values: children’s rights, community participation, and education as a common good.
For Reggio Emilia, speaking about education today continues to mean speaking about hope.
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