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The Princess of Wales will carry out her first overseas visit since her cancer diagnosis tomorrow—and it has a very personal connection. Kate, 44, will arrive in the Italian city of Reggio Emilia to learn about and highlight their pioneering approach to childcare. The visit is Kate’s first ever official trip to Italy. However, she has fond personal memories of the country from her gap year in Florence in the year 2000.
“She was remembering the happy memories that she had during her time in Florence on her gap year,” a royal aide said today ahead of the Princess’s arrival in Italy. “This was something that she personally wanted to come and see.” Kate spent three months at the British Institute in Florence studying Italian and art history during her gap year. Following this, she headed to the University of St Andrews where she met Prince William.
The royal aide added today that Kate has spoken at length with William about her official trip to Italy. “She’s had many conversations with her husband the Prince of Wales, and her children about this trip, and they’re looking forward to hearing about it on her return to the United Kingdom,” the aide said.
Kensington Palace has described the trip as a “high-level fact-finding mission” and “a powerful starting point” for international collaboration as the Princess looks to expand her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood internationally. Christian Guy, Executive Director of the center, told reporters, “We are now entering and beginning an important new phase of the center’s journey.”
Kate will spend two days in Reggio Emilia visiting various sites that highlight their philosophy on childcare. Her trip will begin with a welcome to the piazza outside the city’s Town Hall.
Top image: Kate pictured in 2005.
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.