The Princess of Wales will be honoured with Reggio Emilia's most prestigious accolade during her visit to the northern Italian city this week.
Catherine, 44, will travel to Reggio Emilia on Wednesday and Thursday to explore the city's world-famous approach to early years education as part of her work with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
Mayor Marco Massari confirmed the mother-of-three will receive the First Tricolore, recognising her commitment to children's welfare and learning. The award represents the municipality's highest distinction.
Mr Massari issued the following statement: "I feel compelled to inform you that we have agreed with the aforementioned British representatives to present the First Tricolore to Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton.
The Princess of Wales will be awarded Reggio Emilia’s top accolade during her Italy visit
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"Since this is a private visit, the award will not take place during a public ceremony, but we still wanted to recognise our city's highest honour to a figure who, through the establishment of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, has placed children's rights at the centre of her public commitment."
Catherine's first engagement will take place at Reggio Emilia's Town Hall, where Mayor Massari will formally welcome her before an official meeting with civic leaders in his office.
The discussions will cover the city's history and the cultural circumstances that gave rise to its celebrated educational model.
Several key figures who helped shape the Reggio philosophy, now in their later years, will join the gathering.
Catherine celebrated the launch of 'Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development' last week
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Afterwards, the princess will meet local residents in the Piazza.
The trip represents a major milestone for the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood as it broadens its reach beyond British borders.
Led by Catherine, the two-day programme constitutes a high-level fact-finding mission examining international best practice in supporting young children and their carers.
The visit builds upon the Centre's Shaping Us Framework, which was introduced in February 2025, and will investigate how shared understanding of social and emotional development might align with strategies employed by other nations prioritising the earliest years of life.
Marco Massari is the Mayor of Reggio Emilia
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Reggio Emilia serves as an ideal starting point for this international exploration.
The city's globally acclaimed educational philosophy centres on relationships, environment and community as the foundations of child development.
Its distinctive approach, emphasising creativity, connections and experiential learning, enjoys widespread respect within the early years sector worldwide.