Reggio Emilia rolled out an enthusiastic welcome for Kate Middleton as the Princess of Wales visited the city’s world-famous educational institutions, known internationally for the “Reggio Approach.” What might have been a routine institutional appearance quickly became a genuine public celebration.
Amid handshakes, selfies and cheering crowds, Kate showed a strong personal interest in the educational philosophy developed by educator Loris Malaguzzi. At the Centro Malaguzzi, she toured classrooms, ateliers and kitchens, sat down to work with clay alongside children and educators, and asked detailed questions about the relationship between education, community wellbeing and children’s mental health.
“She has a genuine interest,” representatives from Reggio Children said afterward, noting that the princess wanted to understand the educational model in depth rather than simply attend a ceremonial visit. Throughout the day, Kate repeatedly emphasized the importance of investing in children during their earliest years.
The city welcomed her warmly. Hundreds gathered in Piazza Prampolini waving Union Jack flags as the princess, dressed in a light blue pantsuit, greeted schoolchildren in Italian and stopped to chat with local residents. Her willingness to interact closely with the crowd drew comparisons to Princess Diana, whose warmth and spontaneity remain deeply admired in Italy.
Mayor Marco Massari awarded Kate the city’s highest civic honor, the “Primo Tricolore,” in recognition of her commitment to childhood development. She later visited the former Reggiane industrial complex and the Anna Frank school, where a child asked if she would come back again. Kate replied immediately, in Italian: “Sì, certo” — “Yes, of course.”
Though brief, the visit left a strong impression on the city. Kate appeared relaxed, approachable and sincerely engaged, turning the day into far more than a diplomatic engagement. For many in Reggio Emilia, it felt like the beginning of a lasting relationship.