The Princess of Wales greeted thousands of excited fans when she arrived in Reggio Emilia today, as she showed off her knowledge of the Italian language

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The Princess of Wales arriving in Reggio Emilia today(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Princess Kate has flexed a little-known skill as she arrived in Italy for her two-day trip to the northern city of Reggio Emilia to promote her early years work. The Princess of Wales arrived in the region earlier today, as thousands of royal fans flocked to town square to welcome the future queen to Italy.

The visit marks Kate’s first solo royal visit in more than three years, and her first since she was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Dressed in a blue Edeline Lee trouser suit as she arrived in Italy, Kate shook hands and took flowers from fans before she bent down to speak to a group of school children.

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Princess Kate spoke to children when she arrived in Italy today(Image: Phil Noble/PA Wire)

The princess, who spent her gap year in Italy, conversed with the youngsters, showing off her skill of the Italian language. Kate said to the children in their native language: “I speak a bit of Italian. What is your name? I am Catarina.”

Alice, aged five, said following the exchange: “She asked my name in Italian. She spoke Italian very well.” Roberta Marzi, a teacher, said of the children, who were aged three to five: “She asked them some simple questions but her Italian was perfect and she spoke clearly.”

Kate was welcomed by thousands of royal fans who held Union flags and bouquets of flowers, while shouts of “bellissima” and “Kate!” echoed through the city’s main square.

One fan who got a glimpse of Kate was Maria Angelo Redaelli, who set her alarm for 3.15am to make the 125-mile trip from her home to Reggio Emilia. She said: “I just love the Royal Family and I just had to be here. And I am an English teacher so I want to tell my students about her. The princess said my hat was very glamorous and I gave her a rose. She is so beautiful.”

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The Princess of Wales spoke to the youngsters in Italian(Image: AP)

As photos emerged of the thousands who eagerly waited to catch a glimpse of the future queen, many royal watchers took to social media to share their admiration for Kate as she made her return to international royal duties.

One person wrote on X: “Genuine, warm & loving Catherine, our Princess of Wales. She is so loved.” while another said: “And that is how one does a royal visit!” A third person added: “Can’t believe the screams, it’s like she’s a pop star.”

Kate travelled to Reggio Emilia to carry out a fact-finding mission and meet educators across the town in northern Italy, which has been a world leader in the early years development of children up to the age of five.

Ahead of her two day visit, Kensington Palace announced the princess was feeling “well and energised” about the trip and royal aides said the visit will herald a new beginning for Kate’s work in the field.

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Kate is in Italy for two days to promote her early years work(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

The future Queen wants to “lead the global conversation” on the subject, and is aiming to bring together world leaders, educators and professionals. The Princess has also set her sights on further international travel ahead of her first trip abroad for three and a half years.

On her two day trip, she will visit a range of educational institutions around the region, recognised as being a world leader in early years education.

She will learn about the Reggio Emilia Approach, named after the city that pioneered the teaching method recognised across the globe, which stresses the importance of parents, educators and the environment – “the third teacher” – that surround a child.