Prince William hails Catherine’s 'amazing' return to public engagements abroad
The Princess of Wales completed her first international engagement since her cancer diagnosis in 2024
Prince William has expressed pride in his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales following her successful return to overseas royal duties during a recent visit to Italy.
The Princess of Wales, 44, carried out a two-day engagement in Reggio Emilia last week, marking her first official overseas trip since being diagnosed with cancer in 2024.
The visit also represented a significant step in her gradual return to public life after a period of treatment and recovery.
Speaking on the Heart radio breakfast show, Prince William said he was “so proud, very, very proud” of his wife’s efforts.
“She’s been amazing,” he said. “She’s been through so much in the last couple of years, particularly. She’d been looking forward to the Italian trip a lot, and so I’m really glad it went really well.”
Catherine’s visit included work connected to the Centre for Early Childhood, the foundation she established in 2021, continuing her long-standing focus on early years development.
William also highlighted the extensive preparation she undertook ahead of the trip, describing her as deeply engaged with her work and “a proper pro” when it comes to her research and planning.
“She spends God knows how much time now looking through all the paperwork,” he said. “Most evenings I’m fighting to get past in the bedroom what paperwork that she’s got lined up ready to read.”
The Prince of Wales, who shares three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, with Catherine, also said the royal family is carefully managing her return to international engagements.
“Away trips like that take a lot out of you,” he said. “So we have to balance that — make sure she’s okay and rested. But, yeah, she’s in good form.”
Catherine, who announced she was in remission in January 2025, received a warm reception during her Italy visit.
William said the couple are approaching her return to duties gradually as she rebuilds her schedule.
“She’s an amazing mum, an amazing wife, and literally our family couldn’t cope without her,” he added.