Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrived in Italy on Wednesday for her first solo international trip outside the UK since her cancer diagnosis.
Thousands of people lined both sides of the square and watched from windows in Piazza del Prampolini in the northern city of Reggio Emilia, some holding signs such as “Goodbye Kate” to greet and welcome the princess.
Remo Casilli/Reuters – Photo: Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, interacts with a baby after visiting Reggio Emilia City Hall during a two-day visit to the region in Reggio Emilia, Italy, May 13, 2026.
The princess was seen chatting with the mayor of Reggio Emilia and local Italian schoolchildren before entering the town hall for a meeting.
Marco Bertorello/Pool/AFP via Getty Images – Photo: Catherine, Princess of Wales, was awarded the “Primo Tricolore”, the city’s highest honor, by Reggio Emilia Mayor Marco Massari at Reggio Emilia City Hall on May 13, 2026, in recognition of her early work.
After leaving the town hall, she also stopped to speak in Italian with schoolchildren and well-wishers.
Phil Noble/Reuters – Photo: People gather before Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrives in Reggio Emilia, Italy, for a two-day visit to the region, May 13, 2026.
Remo Casilli/Reuters – Photo: Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, interacts with a baby after visiting Reggio Emilia City Hall during a two-day visit to the region in Reggio Emilia, Italy, May 13, 2026.
The Princess will visit Reggio Emilia until Thursday to support the Royal Early Childhood Foundation Centre, an organization she founded in 2021 that focuses on early childhood development.
Remo Casilli/Reuters – Photo: Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, talks to children as she arrives in Piazza Prambolini in Reggio Emilia, Italy, as part of a two-day visit to the region.
Marco Bertorello/Pool/AFP via Getty Images – Photo: Catherine, Princess of Wales, is welcomed by children as she arrives at Reggio Emilia City Hall during a two-day visit to Italy on May 13, 2026.
According to Kensington Palace, the tour is centered around Reggio Emilia as it is known for its “approach to early childhood education”. Kate is expected to meet with educators, parents, children and community leaders.
Duchess Kate takes first solo international trip since cancer diagnosis
The princess’ last solo trip abroad was in 2022, when she visited Denmark.
Kate first disclosed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, one month after her father-in-law, King Charles III, publicly announced his diagnosis.
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The princess did not reveal the type of cancer she was diagnosed with or the treatment she subsequently received, other than to say she underwent “a course of preventive chemotherapy” on the advice of her medical team.
Marco Bertorello/AP – Photo: Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, waves as she arrives at the town hall in Reggio Emilia, Italy, as part of a two-day trip.
Kate announced in January 2025 that her condition was in remission after treatment and she would gradually resume royal duties. She has since attended and participated in various events and outings.
