Catherine to return to overseas visits with trip to Italy

Catherine to return to overseas visits with trip to Italy

The Princess of Wales is preparing to make her first official international visit in over three years with a trip to Italy scheduled for next week. This marks her return to overseas royal engagements since she underwent cancer treatment. Her previous royal trip abroad was in December 2022 when she accompanied Prince William to Boston in the United States.

During her solo visit on the 13th and 14th of May, Catherine will focus on promoting early childhood education. She intends to explore the unique educational practices in the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia. A Kensington Palace spokesperson highlighted the Princess’s excitement about this milestone in her return to international duties and noted that she will observe how the local approach integrates nature and nurturing relationships to support children’s development.

The Reggio Emilia philosophy prioritizes personal connections, play-based learning, and responding to children’s natural curiosity and interests. Throughout the visit, Catherine is scheduled to meet with a variety of individuals, including educators, parents, children, as well as local officials and business leaders, gaining firsthand insight into the city’s child development methods.

This two-day trip is another step forward in the Princess’s full return to her royal responsibilities following her recovery. After being treated for a type of cancer, which she disclosed was a “life-changing experience,” Catherine announced her remission in January 2025. She has spoken publicly about experiencing both good and difficult days during her recovery process. Widely regarded as one of the most popular members of the Royal Family, her return to official overseas activities is expected to attract considerable public and media attention.

While she has taken private holidays and made short visits to France and Jordan, this will be her first official overseas engagement in nearly three and a half years. The visit to Italy will also complement the work of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, launched in 2021. The centre focuses on understanding how early childhood experiences can influence complex adult issues such as addiction and mental health.

Coinciding with the visit, the centre plans to release a new resource titled *Foundations for Life*, aimed at professionals working with babies, young children, and their families. This guide emphasizes the critical role of social and emotional development. In the foreword to the publication, Catherine writes about the profound impact that the quality of connections—with ourselves, others, and the environment—has on an individual’s sense of safety, relationships, and ability to process life experiences. The guide will be officially launched at the University of East London

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More