Princess of Wales' Italian adventure - from charming crowds to making pasta

Video LoadingVideo UnavailableClick to playTap to playThe video will auto-play soon8CancelPlay nowPrincess of Wales' Italian adventure - from charming crowds to making pastaThe Princess of Wales has wrapped up her whirlwind two-day visit to northern Italy, where she met with excited royal fans, tried her hand at making pasta, and even held a newtByCharlotte FosterRoyal Reporter15:49, 14 May 2026|commentsAfter two days of back-to-back engagements, Princess Kate has concluded her trip to Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. The Princess of Wales arrived in the region on Wednesday as she kicked off her ‘fact-finding mission’ to learn about the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach to early years development. The visit marked Kate’s first solo royal visit in more than three years, and her first since she was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Throughout her trip, she spoke to leading industry professionals about the importance of fostering children’s early years. As the future queen arrived in Italy on Wednesday, she was met by thousands of royal fans who flocked to the city’s main square to welcome the princess with bouquets of flowers and excited cheers. Kate bent down to speak to a group of school children, as the princess - who spent her gap year in Italy - conversed with the youngsters, showing off her skill of the Italian language. Kate said to the children in their native language: “I speak a bit of Italian. What is your name? I am Catarina.” The princess’ attention was then captured by three-month-old Elena who was being held over a barrier by her mother Marta, with the baby smiling at Kate as she stopped to say hello. After being presented with the Primo Tricolore - Reggio Emilia's highest honour - by mayor Marco Massari, Kate spent time with a group of local “nonnas” who told her of their work to spread the Reggio Emilia method of early years learning through the community. The Princess of Wales later said she had an “inspiring day” learning about the Reggio Emilio approach to early years development as she visited the Anna Frank school (Scuola Comunale d’Infanzia) in the city to have adopted the philosophy, where she hugged children and left teachers emotional. Kicking off day two of her visit today, Kate spent hours with children at the Salvador Allende pre-school as they undertook their outdoor lessons. While sitting in the garden, Kate held a small newt in her hand, showing it to an excited young boy. She also joined in a series of art projects, including drawing plants and making tree roots out of clay. Later in the day, the Princess of Wales visited Agriturismo Al Vigneto, a vineyard and farmhouse, to reflect on her experiences during the trip and celebrate the power of intergenerational connection. The princess joined the team at Al Vigneto in preparing tortelli, a typical pasta dish from the Emilia-Romagna region, to serve for lunch. Chef Ivan Lampredi praised the princess' skills as she made the dish, saying: "You are hired." Kate then sat down for lunch with some of the people she met over her two-day visit to thank them personally for their support and hospitality, before she waved farewell and concluded her whirlwind trip. 1 of 14The Princess of Wales waves farewell as her trip to Italy draws to a close (Image:WireImage)2 of 14The future queen then joined in a lunch service at vineyard and farmhouse Agriturismo Al Vigneto (Image:Phil Noble/PA Wire)3 of 14The Princess of Wales laughed as she kneaded the pasta dough (Image:AP)4 of 14At her last engagement in Italy, Kate tried her hand at making a local pasta dish (Image:Getty Images)5 of 14Kate received flowers from a young fan as she arrived at REMIDA, Reggio Emilia’s creative resource centre (Image:WireImage)6 of 14The Princess of Wales hugged children as she farewelled the school (Image:Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)7 of 14Kate joins two young girls painting outside (Image:Getty Images)8 of 14The princess shows an excitable boy a newt (Image:Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)9 of 14The Princess of Wales joins an outdoor assembly at Salvador Allende Scuola dell'infanzia on the second day of her visit (Image:Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)10 of 14The Princess of Wales accepted flowers and hugged kids during her visit to the Scuola Comunale d'infanzia Anna Frank (Image:AP)11 of 14Kate was presented the Primo Tricolore award by Reggio Emilia Mayor Marco Massari (Image:WireImage)12 of 14Kate with three-month-old baby Elena (Image:POOL/AFP via Getty Images)13 of 14Kate spoke to a group of school children in Italian (Image:Samir Hussein/WireImage)14 of 14The Princess of Wales arrived in Italy on Wednesday as thousands of fans turned out to welcome her (Image:GC Images)FollowMirrorFacebookX (Twitter)Comment MORE ONKate MiddletonRoyal Family