The 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
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 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, marking a major milestone for the future queen.
The princess has not carried out an official overseas tour since December 2022, when she accompanied husband Prince William to the finalists’ ceremony of his Earthshot Prize environmental awards in Boston.
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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.
And according to former BBC 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.
Jennie told the Mirror: “This is certainly a welcome milestone in Catherine’s journey to full recovery, and the King will be delighted. He undoubtedly trusts her implicitly to represent the Royal Family both at home and abroad.”
The royal expert believes Kate’s warm and caring nature is invaluable to the Firm, with both the King and her husband William likely to be standing by with pride as the princess undertakes such a major visit.
“She has a star quality that no other royal can bring to an occasion,” Jennie said, “And that’s 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.”
The Princess of Wales has described her work with early childhood development as her “life’s work”, 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.
Jennie said: “Catherine has chosen to travel in support of a cause she’s 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.”
The upcoming trip will be Kate’s 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.
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.
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
“If she feels comfortable about it, this visit will no doubt be the gateway to further official trips overseas,” Jennie said. “There’s long been talk that she and William might go to the States later this year, or to Australia at some point — perhaps with the children. But Catherine has made it clear that her health and her family still come first…so we shall all just have to be patient.”
