Princess Catherine Shares Hugs and High Fives During Italy Preschool Visit as She Expands Early Childhood Mission

The Princess of Wales connects with young students in Reggio Emilia during her first overseas work trip since cancer remission.

Princess Kate brought warmth and enthusiasm to a preschool in northern Italy as she continued her two-day visit to Reggio Emilia — her first international work trip since announcing her cancer diagnosis in 2024.

The Princess of Wales, 44, visited Scuola Comunale d’Infanzia Anna Frank, a preschool for children aged 3 to 6, where she experienced firsthand the internationally respected Reggio Emilia Approach to early childhood education.

Seeing the Reggio Emilia Approach in Action

After learning about the philosophy behind the Reggio Emilia model, Princess Kate joined a creative classroom session led by an atelierista — a specialist artist-educator who supports children’s artistic expression.

The session highlighted a core principle of the approach: encouraging children to explore, create, and guide aspects of their own learning. Developed after World War II by educator Loris Malaguzzi, the Reggio Emilia philosophy places children’s natural curiosity and development at the center of education.

During her visit, the Princess also met with teachers, school staff, and the cooking team, gaining insight into how the preschool supports both academic growth and emotional well-being.

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A Special Connection with the Children

Princess Kate quickly became a favorite among the students, receiving hugs and high fives throughout her visit. Her relaxed and engaging manner created joyful moments inside the classroom and in the town square.

In a charming exchange, she greeted local children in Italian, introducing herself as “Catarina,” the Italian version of Catherine.

“I speak a bit of Italian. What is your name?” she reportedly asked.

Though she has previously joked about not being fluent — despite spending time studying in Florence during her gap year — teachers praised her efforts. One educator noted that she spoke clearly and confidently, while a young student described her Italian as “very good.”

Strengthening Her Early Childhood Advocacy

The visit reflects Princess Kate’s long-standing commitment to early childhood development. In 2021, she founded The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, and in 2023 launched the Shaping Us campaign, which focuses on the profound impact of the first five years of life on long-term mental health, relationships, and well-being.

Her time in Reggio Emilia is considered a fact-finding mission aimed at strengthening international collaboration in early years education. Over the course of the trip, she is meeting educators, parents, researchers, and community leaders to better understand how the Reggio Emilia model supports children’s social and emotional development.

Christian Guy, director of the Centre for Early Childhood, emphasized that the Princess aims to transform how society supports babies, young children, and caregivers. He noted that her work highlights the importance of nurturing early brain development and building strong social and emotional foundations — describing it as a form of long-term prevention for future societal challenges.

A Meaningful Milestone in Her Recovery

This solo trip to Italy marks an important step in Princess Kate’s return to international engagements following her cancer treatment. After spending much of 2024 focused on her health, she announced in early 2025 that she was in remission.

Royal aides have described the visit as a significant moment in her recovery journey, particularly as it centers on a cause she has championed for more than a decade.

By combining personal resilience with professional purpose, Princess Kate’s visit to Italy signals a renewed chapter — one focused on elevating early childhood development as a global priority.

Read More:  Prince William Opens New James’ Place Centre in Birmingham, Shining a Light on Men’s Mental Health

Source: Adapted from reporting by PEOPLE Magazine

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