This will be Catherine’s first royal visit overseas for more than three years.
The Princess of Wales, Catherine, is set to resume official overseas engagements next week with a two-day visit to Italy, marking her first international royal trip since undergoing cancer treatment.
Kensington Palace confirmed that the Princess will travel to Reggio Emilia on 13 and 14 May, where she will focus on early childhood development, a long-standing priority of her royal work. The visit is expected to highlight the city’s internationally recognised “Reggio Emilia approach,” a child-centred education philosophy that emphasises play, creativity, emotional development, and strong relationships between children, educators, and families.
A palace spokesperson said the Princess is “very much looking forward” to the trip and will meet educators, parents, children, local officials, and business leaders to learn more about the model in practice.
A return to international duties
The visit marks a significant step in Catherine’s gradual return to public life following her cancer diagnosis and treatment. She last undertook an official overseas royal engagement in December 2022, when she accompanied Prince William on a visit to Boston in the United States.
Since announcing in January 2025 that she was in remission, the Princess has made a carefully managed return to duties, balancing public engagements with ongoing recovery. She has previously spoken about experiencing both “good days and bad days,” describing her illness as a “life-changing experience.”
While she has undertaken limited travel and private trips in recent months, the Italy visit will be her first official foreign engagement in more than three years.
Focus on early childhood development
The trip is closely linked to Catherine’s long-term advocacy through the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which she established in 2021. The centre examines how early life experiences shape long-term outcomes in areas such as mental health, relationships, and social development.
The Reggio Emilia approach, which she will study during the visit, is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading early education models. It prioritises children’s natural curiosity, emotional wellbeing, and collaborative learning environments, with strong emphasis on community involvement.
Catherine’s engagement in Italy is expected to deepen international awareness of her early years work and strengthen collaboration with global education experts.
New policy-focused publication
Coinciding with the visit, the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood will release a new guide titled Foundations for Life. The publication is intended as a resource for professionals working with young children and families, highlighting the importance of emotional and social development in early years.
In the foreword, the Princess writes that the quality of human connection plays a critical role in shaping lifelong wellbeing, influencing how individuals form relationships, process experiences, and develop resilience.
Public interest in royal return
As one of the most popular members of the British royal family, Catherine’s return to international engagements is expected to attract significant public and media attention. The Italy visit is widely seen as a milestone in her recovery journey and a reaffirmation of her expanding role within the monarchy after a challenging period of treatment and convalescence.
