Buckingham Palace has finally confirmed that Princess of Wales Kate Middleton will visit Italy next week, her first trip abroad since her cancer diagnosis.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson released a statement on Wednesday confirming that Kate will visit Italy alone.
The Princess of Wales will take part in her first official trip abroad in three and a half years next week, traveling to Italy to promote her early years work – but she will be traveling alone.
Kensington Palace said on Wednesday that it will be Kate’s first overseas royal trip since her cancer diagnosis, when she travels to Italy.
The visit to Reggio Emilia in northern Italy will focus on the Princess of Wales’s work in early years child development, a palace statement said.
“The Princess is very much looking forward to visiting Italy next week and seeing first-hand how the Reggio Emilia approach creates environments where nature and loving human relationships come together to support children’s development.”
Catherine, who is married to Prince William, heir to the throne, announced in January 2025 that she was recovering from cancer, and was gradually returning to public royal duties.
During the two-day visit Katherine, also known as Kate, will learn about the Reggio Emilia approach, an educational philosophy that focuses on the idea that children have the potential for self-development.
A spokesperson for the palace said the expert perspective would help advance the work of their Center for Early Childhood.
After this announcement, Buckingham Palace shared a statement
Meanwhile, following the announcement, the royal family confirmed Kate Middleton’s visit in their official diary, saying, “On 13 May 2026, The Princess of Wales will visit Reggio Emilia, Italy, as joint patron of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.”
