The Princess of Wales unveiled a new name while receiving an enthusiastic welcome from approximately 3,000 people in Reggio Emilia today.
Dressed in a blue Edeline Lee trouser suit, Catherine greeted youngsters in the Piazza Camillo Prampolini using their native tongue, telling them: "I speak a bit of Italian. What is your name? I am Catarina."
The future queen embraced schoolchildren, took selfies with admirers and accepted numerous flower bouquets during the two-day visit to the northern Italian city.
Three-month-old baby Elena, held aloft by her mother Marta, beamed as Catherine paused to interact with her.
The Princess of Wales unveiled her new Italian name in a surprise move
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Supporters had gathered in the cobbled square, with some watching from windows overlooking the area, as the princess spent 15 minutes meeting fans who had travelled considerable distances to see her.
Catherine's connection to Italy runs deep, having spent a formative gap year studying language and art history at the British Institute of Florence.
Her linguistic abilities impressed the young Italians she encountered during the walkabout.
Five-year-old Alice from Robinson Pre-School said afterwards: "She asked my name in Italian. She spoke Italian very well."
The Princess of Wales spoke to a royal fan with a sign reading: 'Ciao Kate'
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Teacher Roberta Marzi described the encounter as "emotional," adding: "She asked them some simple questions, but her Italian was perfect; she spoke clearly."
Throughout the engagement, Catherine crouched down to speak with pre-school children at their eye level, repeatedly saying "Buongiorno" and using the phrase "Parlo un po' d'italiano" whilst gesturing that she speaks only a little of the language.
An aide noted that the princess had been recalling fond memories from her time in Florence.
Inside the town hall, Catherine was presented with the Primo Tricolore, Reggio Emilia's most prestigious award.
The Princess of Wales spoke a little bit of Italian to the children
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The ceremony took place in the Sala del Tricolore, decorated with Italian flags, where Mayor Marco Massari read out her credentials in her early years work alongside Prefect Salvatore Angieri.
Upon hearing the translated version, the princess placed her hand on her heart and responded: "Wow, what an honour. I'm very grateful, it's very gratefully accepted."
She subsequently spent half an hour with three local "nonnas", Carla Nironi, Iona Bartoli and Eletta Bertani, all born around the outbreak of World War Two and considered pivotal in establishing the educational programme.
Catherine told them: "I love that you put children and childhood at the heart of the community, and I'm really fascinated to learn more about it."
The Princess of Wales spent her gap year in Florence
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The trip represents a major milestone in Catherine's recovery following her cancer diagnosis and surgery in early 2024, with the princess officially entering remission in January 2025.
Those close to her describe the visit as a "huge moment" and the beginning of an international campaign focused on early childhood development.
One source said: "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. This is a global mission."
A Palace official stated: "This visit is an important step in the princess's recovery journey. She takes great joy from this work."
Christian Guy, executive director of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, said: "Early childhood isn't just a stage of human growth, it is a societal strategy."