Princess Kate’s first solo overseas trip since completing cancer treatment has turned into an unexpected showcase of her Italian skills.
During a visit to Reggio Emilia near Bologna on Wednesday and Thursday, the royal communicated comfortably with supporters — and introduced herself to children she met as “Caterina”, the Italian version of Catherine. Hello! Magazine shared a nice clip of Kate speaking Italian on Instagram.
Kate spent her year off before college in Florence, studying art history, prior to attending the University of St Andrews in Scotland — where she met Prince William. It’s during this time that she learned Italian and is practicing it again while in the country this week. On Wednesday, Roberta Marzi, a teacher, told The Times that Kate’s Italian was “perfect” and added, “she spoke clearly.”
Wednesday saw the royal greet over 3,000 well-wishers, including children from two local preschools. She displayed her natural ability to connect with strangers by conversing in their native language at various engagements, hugging children and members of the public, and cooing at a baby, held over the barricades by its mother.
The Princess of Wales hugs pre-school children during the second day of her visit to Reggio Emilia.
(Pool via Getty Images)
On Thursday, Kate’s displayed more of her own motherly instincts – she has three children of her own, after all — during a tour of a pioneering preschool.
Kate wore a stone-colored, pleated midi skirt for the event, paired with a Blazé Milano jacket and a bracelet from Milan-based brand Atelier Molayem.
On Wednesday, the royal wore a blue pantsuit by London-based designer Edeline Lee but made from fabrics woven in Italy — a subtle reminder of the reputation Kate’s built by honoring countries she’s visiting through her fashion choices. The pantsuit silhouette is one she’s turned to numerous times in recent years for work trips.
Kate Middleton hugs a child as she visits an Italian municipal pre-school.
(Pool via Getty Images)
The British royal is in Italy in support of her early childhood education campaign. It’s something she’s very passionate about — the royal founded The Centre for Early Childhood in 2021 to commission research for and raise awareness of how crucial the early years are in a child’s life.
A royal aide said the tour marked a “huge moment” for the royal. “Undoubtedly this is a huge moment for the princess. There will be many highlights of 2026, but this being her first official international visit post her recovery, this is a really significant moment for her,” the aide said.
When was Kate’s last trip abroad?
Kate at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., in 2022.
(Samir Hussein/Pool via Getty Images)
It’s been over three and a half years since Kate last traveled overseas for work. She visited the United States in December 2022, joining Prince William on a trip to Boston for his Earthshot Prize award ceremony.
She has traveled privately since then — for the Rugby World Cup in fall 2023, the Crown Prince of Jordan’s wedding in Amman in June 2023 and family vacations — but none of these events were considered work trips.
When was Kate diagnosed with cancer?
Kate shared her cancer diagnosis with the world in March 2024, following mounting speculation after she briefly disappeared from the public eye.
After weeks of people sharing conspiracy theories, a video was posted on the Princess and Prince of Wales’s joint Instagram account on March 22 of that year.
What type of cancer did Kate have?
The clip revealed that in January 2024, Kate had undergone a successful “major abdominal surgery,” which found that “cancer had been present.”
The type of cancer Kate was diagnosed with was never shared with the public.
Is Kate cancer-free?
In September 2024, the royal revealed that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment. “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she said in an Instagram video.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,” she said. “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales attend services on Easter Sunday in Windsor, England, in April 2026.
(Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
While the mom of three shared that she had finished her chemotherapy, she said the road to recovery is “long” and that she has to “take each day as it comes.”
In January 2025, Kate issued a statement announcing that her cancer is in remission and she is focused “on recovery.”
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she said. “I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”