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Princess Kate honoured in Italy on first post cancer diagnosis trip
The Princess will receive a top award for her work with Early Years
Catherine, the Princess of Wales will be presented with the 'Primo Tricolore'. This is the highest honour bestowed by the city of Reggio Emilia during a solo visit scheduled for May 13 and 14, 2026, HELLO! reports.
This trip marks a poignant milestone for the Princess of Wales. It is her first official overseas work since revealing her cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment.
The 'Primo Tricolore' is named for the original Italian flag, which originated in Reggio Emilia in 1797.
The city’s Mayor, Marco Massari, expressed great pride in the visit. He called the occasion "truly prestigious," praising her use of a global platform to promote educational approaches in line with the city's famous "Reggio Approach" to early childhood learning.
The Princess is travelling as patron of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The visit is described as a "fact-finding mission" for her signature work.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson stated the Princess is "very much looking forward" to the trip. She will see how the approach supports children through nature and loving relationships.
The trip is also a personal milestone: her first return to Italy in over two decades. She spent part of her 2000 gap year studying art history and Italian at Florence's British Institute.
As the visit is not at the request of the UK government, the presentation will likely be private and is not expected to be part of a large public ceremony.
