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<\/p>\nThe Princess of Wales is just days away from heading overseas on a solo trip, and one royal expert believes the visit could pave the way for a huge change in the way Kate carries out her royal duties<\/p>\n
15:08, 10 May 2026Updated 16:18, 10 May 2026<\/p>\n
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The Princess of Wales will be in Italy for two days (Image: AP)<\/p>\n
For the first time in over three years, Princess Kate will head on a solo overseas royal trip, spending two days in Italy to promote her early years work. The Princess of Wales<\/a> will head to the city of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy from May 13 to May 14 on a solo working trip with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood<\/a>, marking a major milestone for the future queen.<\/p>\n The princess has not carried out an official overseas tour since December 2022, when she accompanied husband Prince William<\/a> to the finalists’ ceremony of his Earthshot Prize environmental awards in Boston.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Prince Harry’s sadness his children are ‘missing out on life with rest of royals’<\/a>READ MORE: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis give baby kangaroo adorable name<\/a> Princess Kate will travel to the city of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy on Wednesday(Image: Chris Jackson\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n The visit will focus on early childhood development and is part of a “fact-finding mission” to study the internationally recognised “Reggio Emilia Approach”, with the region being known among early-years experts for its unique approach to child development.<\/p>\n And according to former BBC<\/a> royal correspondent Jennie Bond, the solo trip is a huge achievement for the princess as she continues to take on more engagements on behalf of the monarchy.<\/p>\n Jennie told the Mirror<\/a>: \u201cThis is certainly a welcome milestone in Catherine\u2019s journey to full recovery, and the King will be delighted. He undoubtedly trusts her implicitly to represent the Royal Family<\/a> both at home and abroad.\u201d<\/p>\n Her solo trip will be with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood(Image: Aaron Chown\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n The royal expert believes Kate\u2019s warm and caring nature is invaluable to the Firm, with both the King<\/a> and her husband William likely to be standing by with pride as the princess undertakes such a major visit.<\/p>\n \u201cShe has a star quality that no other royal can bring to an occasion,\u201d Jennie said, \u201cAnd that\u2019s a valuable asset for the monarchy. William will be equally pleased, and proud, to see his wife undertake an official solo trip abroad – it speaks volumes about her growing self-confidence after such a devastating health scare.\u201d<\/p>\n The Princess of Wales has described her work with early childhood development as her \u201clife\u2019s work\u201d, and the trip to Italy will no doubt cement her passion as she speaks with leading industry experts, while also meeting with families and children.<\/p>\n Kate’s last overseas trip was to the US in 2022 for the Earthshot Awards with Prince William(Image: AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n Jennie said: \u201cCatherine has chosen to travel in support of a cause she\u2019s passionate about – early years development – and this will be a meaningful and educational trip for her. She always wants to learn more about global research into the best ways to nurture children in their first five years of life, so she will get thoroughly absorbed in the work going on in Italy.\u201d<\/p>\n The upcoming trip will be Kate\u2019s first since being diagnosed with cancer in 2024. She announced she was in remission from the disease in January 2025, but continued her recovery with a staggered return to royal duties as she recovered from her ordeal.<\/p>\n And according to Jennie, the trip to Italy may pave the way for the Princess of Wales to undertake more international trips if the trip is a success.<\/p>\n However, as Kate has previously made clear, her health and her family are always her first priority, and while she may take on more overseas visits, it is likely these trips will be few and far between<\/p>\n \u201cIf she feels comfortable about it, this visit will no doubt be the gateway to further official trips overseas,\u201d Jennie said. \u201cThere\u2019s long been talk that she and William might go to the States later this year, or to Australia<\/a> at some point \u2014 perhaps with the children. But Catherine has made it clear that her health and her family still come first\u2026so we shall all just have to be patient.\u201d<\/p>\n Get the inside scoop on the monarchy with Mirror Royal<\/p>\n WHATSAPP GROUP: Be first to get the biggest royal bombshells and exclusives to your phone by joining our Royal WhatsApp here.<\/a><\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Princess](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3_Princess-of-Wales-visit-to-University-of-East-London.jpg\")
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