Kate Middleton makes 1st solo trip outside UK since cancer diagnosis
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, arrived in Italy Wednesday to kick off her first solo international trip outside of the United Kingdom since her cancer diagnosis.
Thousands lined the plaza and watched from windows at Piazza Prampolini in the northern city of Reggio Emilia, with some holding signs like "Ciao Kate" to see and greet the princess.
The princess was seen speaking with the mayor of Reggio Emilia and local Italian school children before she entered the town hall for meetings.
After leaving the town hall, she also stopped to speak in Italian with schoolchildren and well-wishers.
The princess is visiting Reggio Emilia until Thursday to support The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, an organization she founded in 2021 that focuses on early childhood development.
The trip is centered on Reggio Emilia because it is known for its "approach to early childhood education," according to Kensington Palace. Kate is expected to meet with educators, parents, children and community leaders.
The last time the princess traveled solo outside of the U.K. was in 2022 when she visited Denmark.
Kate first went public with her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, a month after King Charles III, her father-in-law, announced his own cancer diagnosis publicly.
The princess has not revealed the type of cancer she was diagnosed with or the subsequent treatment she had, except to say she underwent "a course of preventative chemotherapy," at the advice of her medical team.
Kate announced in January 2025 she was in remission following treatment and would make a gradual return to her royal duties. She has since attended and participated in various events and outings.
