The Princess of Wales has touched down in Italy for her first engagement abroad in years following her cancer diagnosis. 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...
© GC ImagesPeople 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.
© Getty ImagesSome 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.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesFlags 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.
© GC ImagesMayor 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.
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
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesBritain'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 curled for the occasion and she strutted with confidence for this landmark visit.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Kate stopped to speak to the public
Caring Kate
The royal bent down in her designer suit to speak to children upon her arrival.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe 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.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe 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.
Princess Kate is in Italy this week but her late mother-in-law Princess Diana also made a iconic visit to the country. Play our Diana memory cards game to test your knowledge!
© Stuart C. Wilson/Getty ImagesThe 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 bag.
