Princess of Wales Makes First Overseas Trip Since Cancer Recovery to Italy

The Princess of Wales returns to the international stage Wednesday with a visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy, marking a personal milestone in her recovery from cancer.

"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," a princess aide said.

Catherine's last official overseas trip came more than three years ago. Her return centers on her early years education campaign, which she now aims to turn into a global mission. Organizers chose Reggio Emilia for its unique approach to early childhood learning.

The trip could launch a series of international visits to locations with innovative methods for supporting young children.

"She wants to look at other models around the world and really create a global conversation," the aide said. "It is only right that her first international trip since her illness is one that is focused on an issue that she is committed to championing for decades to come."

During the visit, the princess will meet educators, parents and children at schools and projects in the northern Italian city, located 45 miles (72.5 km) west of Bologna.

One of the Royal Family's most popular members, Catherine is expected to attract crowds in the historic city. Public interest in her remains strong, and this will be her first appearance before an overseas audience since she and Prince William visited Boston in December 2022.

She received a cancer diagnosis after that trip, described the ups and downs of treatment, and announced in January 2025 that she had entered remission.

The outing signals another step toward full royal duties, with aides calling it "taking it up a gear."

"She's looking forward to being here, she's energised, she's enthused, she's excited to see Reggio Emilia in action and meet the people here too," a royal aide said.

Catherine holds fond memories of Italy from a gap year spent partly in Florence after school. She launched the Centre for Early Childhood in 2021 to examine how adult issues like addiction and mental health often trace back to early childhood.

On the two-day trip, she will learn about the Reggio Emilia approach to child development, which stresses relationships and play-based learning. Christian Guy, executive director of the Centre for Early Childhood, will join her.

"What matters most in that period is not just what children learn, but how they experience the people and the world around them," Guy said.