The Princess of Wales embarked on an educational fact-finding trip to a nursery school in the northern city of Reggio Emilia, during the second day of her Italian visit.
Catherine visited the Salvador Allende Scuola dell'infanzia, a public infant-toddler centre situated near Bologna that caters to children up to the age of six.
The pre-school forms part of the city's celebrated municipal education system, which has gained international recognition for its pioneering approach to early years learning.
The teaching philosophy developed in this Italian city emphasises three key elements: parents, educators, and the surrounding environment, which practitioners describe as "the third teacher".
The Princess of Wales embarked on an educational fact-finding trip to a nursery school in the northern city of Reggio Emilia, during the second day of her Italian visit.
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Environmental education sits at the heart of the school's curriculum, with its grounds featuring a willow tree and bamboo forest where pupils engage in outdoor activities.
During her visit, the royal joined youngsters participating in open-air lessons and spoke with teaching staff whose dedication to nature-focused learning influences both the institution's physical design and educational philosophy.
On Wednesday, the Princess of Wales visited the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre in Italy, where she engaged with educators and practitioners to deepen her understanding of the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy.
Catherine's trip focused on exploring how this renowned approach nurtures social and emotional development in children, and how its principles complement the skills outlined in her Shaping Us Framework.
Catherine visited the Salvador Allende Scuola dell'infanzia, a public infant-toddler centre situated near Bologna that caters to children up to the age of six.
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Upon her arrival at the Centre, the Princess of Wales was greeted by President Maddalena Tedeschi, International Relations lead Emanuela Vercalli, and Education Area Coordinator Paola Ricco.
The facility, which opened in 2006, functions as a hub for international researchers, teachers and families interested in children's learning and creativity.
More than 130,000 visitors travel to the Centre annually, seeking to understand the Reggio Emilia philosophy and incorporate its methods into their own educational practice.
The institution bears the name of Loris Malaguzzi, an Italian psychologist and educator who established the Reggio Emilia network of infant-toddler centres and preschools in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Catherine viewed the 100 languages poem, penned by Malaguzzi himself.
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During her tour, Catherine viewed the 100 languages poem, penned by Malaguzzi himself.
The verse emphasises that children have countless methods of expressing themselves, exploring ideas, and connecting their thoughts, emotions and creative impulses with the world around them.
Before concluding her trip, Catherine spent time with a group of Latin American educators who had journeyed to the Centre as part of a study programme.
The delegates, hailing from Mexico, Brazil and Colombia, were at the facility to gain insights into the Reggio Emilia methodology.
They plan to apply what they have learned to educational settings in their respective countries upon returning home.