Princess of Wales returns to global stage with solo Italy trip

Trip set to explore Reggio Emilia childcare model and global best practices.

Kensington Palace has confirmed that the Princess of Wales will embark on her first official overseas royal engagement since her cancer diagnosis, marking a significant and closely observed step in her gradual return to public life.

Princess Kate is scheduled to travel to Italy next week on a solo visit with the engagement centered on early childhood development a core focus of her royal work and long-term advocacy.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said the Princess is “very much looking forward” to the visit and to observing how the Reggio Emilia approach fosters environments where nature, community, and nurturing human relationships collectively support early childhood growth.

The spokesperson further noted that as the Centre for Early Childhood continues to expand its international footprint the visit will serve to align the Shaping Us Framework with leading global practices.

It will also reinforce a shared recognition that the early years of life are critical in laying the foundations for emotional resilience, wellbeing, and long-term societal development.

The upcoming trip holds particular significance as it marks her first extended foreign tour in approximately three and a half years, signalling a careful yet steady return to international royal duties.

Her last official overseas engagement was in December 2022 when she accompanied the Prince of Wales to Boston for the Earthshot Prize. While she also travelled to Marseille in 2023 for the Rugby World Cup and to Amman for a royal wedding, those visits were classified as private rather than formal royal tours.

Royal aides have indicated that the Princess of Wales is “eager and positive” about resuming international engagements and continuing her work on early childhood initiatives at a global level.

The two-day visit will take place in Reggio Emilia, Italy, from May 13 to 14, where she is expected to meet experts and explore internationally recognised models of childcare and family support systems.