Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales during her visit to the University of East London in Stratford, east London, on May 6, 2026, where she was set to meet with families, researchers and students, alongside leaders in further and higher education from across the UK, to launch 'Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development', as part of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. (Photo by Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP)
London: Britain's Princess Catherine, will next week carry out her first overseas royal visit since her cancer diagnosis when she travels to Italy, Kensington palace said Wednesday.
The trip to Reggio Emilia in northern Italy will focus on the Princess of Wales's work in early years child development, said a palace statement.
"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 heir to the throne Prince William, announced in January 2025 that she was in remission from cancer, and has been gradually returning to public royal duties.
During the two-day visit Catherine, also known as Kate, will learn about the Reggio Emilia Approach, an educational philosophy which focuses on the idea that children have the potential for self-development.
A palace spokesperson said the specialist approach would help build on work by her Centre for Early Childhood.
The centre was founded by Catherine in 2021 to raise awareness of the importance of early years experiences.
The princess, who has three children, revealed in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer and had begun chemotherapy.
The announcement comes on Wednesday's third anniversary of the 2023 coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with a host of events planned in London, including a 62-gun royal salute at the Tower of London.
