The Princess of Wales has began her whirlwind visit to Italy today and will soon receive the city of Reggio Emilia’s highest honour for her work promoting the early years development of children.
Catherine, 44, arrived in the Northern Italian city to crowds of cheering well-wishers bearing ‘Ciao Kate’ signs and British flags.
The future Queen stepped out in a striking blue Edeline Lee Ruched-Back Lola Blazer and matching high-rise trousers, bringing her overall look to a cost of £2,000.
Greeted by the mayor of Reggio Emilia, Kate took a brief moment to chat with members of the crowd and young children before heading towards the town hall.
The royal is set to be recognised for her efforts with the Primo Tricolore at the start of her first major overseas royal visit since having treatment for cancer.
She will also visit two schools for under-fives and be honoured with an award from the city’s mayor for her work for young children.
This marks a great step forward in her return to full-time duties after her health setbacks, including her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment.
Kate’s two-day visit to Reggio Emilia, near Bologna, is the beginning of a ‘really significant moment’ after her recovery, an aide to the princess said, with Kate ‘taking it up a gear’ in her ‘global mission’.
The senior royal revealed at the start of last year that she was in remission after receiving chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer.
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Princess of Wales stuns in blue Edeline Lee Ruched-Back Lola Blazer
All eyes were fixed firmly on the Princess of Wales when she arrived in Reggio Emilia today, and eagle-eyed onlookers were keen to catch a glimpse of her stylish look for the momentous event.
For the start of her Italian visit, Kate opted for an Edeline Lee Ruched-Back Lola Blazer paired with the matching high-rise trousers.
The jacket retails for an eye-watering £1,350, while her trousers cost £650, bringing Kate’s overall look to £2,000.
To accessorise, the princess opted for a striking blue handbag and Ralph Lauren heels.
PICTURED: Kate stops to shake hands and greet the crowd of thousands before heading into town hall
Kate receives a warm welcome to Italy by Mayor and other civic leaders
The Princess of Wales has received a warm welcome to Italy by the Mayor of Reggio Emilia and other civic leaders.
Catherine, who landed shortly after midday, was greeted with crowds of enthusiastic well-wishers in the town square, and looked effortlessly glamorous in a blue suit and white shirt.
The conscientious princess even took a moment to share a picture and a hug with a royal fan.
Catherine will visit two schools for under-fives and be honoured with an award from the city’s mayor for her work. She launched the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021.
Tomorrow Catherine will meet locals and learn how to make pasta at a traditional rural lunch outside Reggio Emilia, renowned as Italy’s culinary capital and for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
British diplomat Kassim Ramji, the Consul General in Milan, said the visit marked an important moment in UK-Italy relations.
Kate arrives at the city of Reggio Emilia
PICTURED: Crowds of excited well-wishers gather to catch a glimpse of the Princess of Wales
The Princess of Wales arrives in Italy today for her first overseas tour since cancer treatment
Good afternoon and welcome to the Daily Mail’s live coverage of Princess Catherine’s first official royal visit in nearly four years.
Kate will be arriving in northern Italy today for a whirlwind two-day trip as part of her crusade for young children.
This marks a significant step forward in her return to full-time duties after her health setbacks, including her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment.
She will be welcomed to Reggio Emilia to witness the city’s crusading work on early years development for children and visit schools for under-fives. The princess, 44, is also set to be honoured with an award from the city’s mayor for her work.
Palace aides have described Kate’s Italian visit as a ‘huge moment’ for the princess, whose last solo visit abroad was to Denmark in 2022.
