The Princess of Wales is "energised" and "enthused" for her first overseas visit since her cancer treatment, a royal aide has claimed.
Catherine is embarking on her first official overseas engagement since recovering from cancer when she travels to Italy on Wednesday.
Her two-day trip to Reggio Emilia represents what palace aides have described as a "really significant moment" in her return to international duties.
The visit signals the future queen's intention to champion early childhood development on a global scale with fresh determination following her health battle.
The Princess of Wales is ‘energised and enthused’ for her first overseas visit since cancer treatment, aides have claimed (stock picture)
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"Undoubtedly, this is a huge moment for the princess," an aide said.
"Although there will be many highlights of 2026, I think this being her first official international visit, post her recovery, I think this is a really significant moment for her."
Early years work has been central to Catherine's public role for over a decade.
Catherine announced at the beginning of last year that she was in remission following chemotherapy for an undisclosed cancer.
The Princess of Wales will be awarded Reggio Emilia’s top accolade during her Italy visit | REUTERSThe Italian trip marks her first major foreign engagement since December 2022, when she accompanied Prince William to Boston for the Earthshot Prize ceremony.
The visit follows shortly after she unveiled new resources for families and practitioners through her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
An aide indicated that Catherine's cancer experience has strengthened her resolve to take her early years advocacy worldwide.
"She's looking forward to being here, she's energised, she's enthused, she's excited to see Reggio Emilia in action and meet the people here too," the aide said.
Catherine will spend two days in the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia from May 13 to May 14
| GETTYDuring her time in the Italian city, Catherine will immerse herself in the Reggio Emilia Approach, a globally renowned educational philosophy that places emphasis on the roles of parents, educators and a child's surrounding environment.
Mayor Marco Massari will welcome the princess and is expected to bestow upon her the city's highest honour in recognition of her dedication to early childhood causes.
Catherine will also have the opportunity to meet with educators and civic leaders instrumental in developing the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which has become one of the world's most influential models for child development.
The approach, which originated in the northern Italian city, has gained international recognition for its distinctive focus on nurturing the whole child.
Catherine's Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood focuses on showcasing the importance of the early years of life | PAChristian Guy, executive director of the Centre for Early Childhood, outlined the ambitious scope of Catherine's international mission.
He said: "Building on her UK and international work in this area for many years, the princess is here with her Centre for Early Childhood to lead a new global conversation about this, believing we now need to focus on early brain development and nurturing the whole child with the same urgency and sense of mission as other global challenges like climate change if we truly want to get ahead of these challenges in the future.
"This is about genuine prevention."
Mr Guy explained that the aim is to establish a worldwide alliance and create a framework for lifelong wellbeing by bringing people together around what he termed "the golden opportunity of early childhood."