The Princess of Wales is quietly distinguishing herself from other members of the royal family. The future Queen embarked on a significant two-day trip to Italy last week, which marked her first engagement abroad following her cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2024. While visiting the city of Reggio Emilia, the royal endeared herself to locals along the way and proved she's following in the late Queen Elizabeth II's footsteps.
After speaking to the Princess of Wales at a lunch on the final day, 86-year-old Carla Nironi, who worked for the founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach, remarked that the royal is a "wonderful person".
"If I think about the other members of the royal family, I think Catherine is a step ahead of them," she added.
© WireImageShe then proclaimed: "If she were to become queen, she would be the greatest queen on earth. She reminds me of Elizabeth II."
Kate concluded her Italy trip with a visit to the rural Agriturismo Al Vigneto, located an hour outside of the city of Reggio Emilia. During her visit, the royal helped make fresh pasta and hosted an intimate lunch to thank locals for their hospitality. The Princess of Wales sampled local produce at the farm, which included a delectable spread of charcuterie, fried tart, Parma ham, and Parmesan cheese.
"It’s so beautiful here. Thank you for having me. It’s a wonderful view," the royal said of the views from the outdoor lunch that was set up overlooking the valley.
Kate's 'deeply moving' trip
The royal's solo trip to Italy was her first in three-and-a-half years. Kate's last major international engagement was in December 2022, when she travelled to Boston with the Prince of Wales for the Earthshot Prize award ceremony.
The princess visited educational sites across the two days, including the Salvador Allende pre-school on the final day as part of the trip's aim to shine a light on early childhood studies and the work of educators in Italy as part of her Shaping Us campaign. The royal proved her natural ability to connect while hugging children at the Italian preschool and introducing herself informally as "Caterina".
"Over the past two days in Reggio Emilia, I have seen first-hand the power of nature and creativity that put human connection at the centre of a child’s world," Kate penned a heartfelt message on Instagram after wrapping up her time abroad.
She continued: "I have had such a deeply moving and unforgettable time here. Thank you to the people of Reggio Emilia for welcoming me into a culture of care with such warmth and generosity.
"Our collective work in early childhood must be to protect and nurture the connections that form the foundations of life-long wellbeing."
