The Princess of Wales received a rapturous welcome in Italy as she returned to foreign royal tours for the first time in three years, in what was described by aides as a “significant moment”.
Chants of “Kate, Kate, Kate” rang out around a piazza in Reggio Emilia after she was welcomed by mayor Marco Massari and received his city’s highest honour – Primo Tricolore – during a town hall ceremony.
It recognised her efforts promoting the early years development of children, a subject which prompted her visit to learn more about an innovative approach to teaching youngsters pioneered in Reggio Emilia.
After Mr Massari read out Kate’s early years credentials during a short ceremony, the princess put her hand on her heart and said: “Wow, what an honour. I’m very grateful, it’s very gratefully accepted.”
For more than a decade childhood development has been central to the future queen’s public work and the visit comes after Kate recently launched a new resource, for people working with youngsters and their families, from her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
She has travelled to speak to practitioners and parents involved in the Reggio Emilia Approach, recognised across the globe, that stresses the importance of the parents, educators and environment – “the third teacher” – that surround a child.
Kate first arrived to screams, whoops and shouts of “bellissima” and told the mayor the warm welcome had left her “emotional, seeing everyone”.
“Aww, thank you,” she told him, putting her hand on her heart and looking around at hundreds of people.
Kate spoke Italian to a group of pre-school children, a language she learnt during a gap-year stay in Florence, and introduced herself as Caterina as she crouched down to chat to the youngsters.
“Parlo un po’ d’italiano,” – I speak a little Italian – she said, before asking their names. “Come ti chiami? Io sono Catarina.”
Alice, five, said afterwards: “She asked my name in Italian. She spoke Italian very well.”
During the town hall reception, the princess chatted to local grandmothers known as “nonnas” – Carla Nironi, Iona Bartoli, and Eletta Bertani – who through interpreters described their work spreading the Reggio Emilia method through the community.
“I love that you put children and childhood at the heart of the community, and I’m really fascinated to learn more about it,” said Kate.
Later the future queen spent 15 minutes meeting the public outside, shaking outstretched hands, posing for selfies and even stroking the feet of a baby hung over a crash barrier.
Baby Elena, aged three months, was held up by her mother Marta and beamed as the princess stopped to play with her.
Michael Cocchi, 51, from Parma, who was wearing a Wales rugby top, handed Kate a bouquet as she greeted dozens of well-wishers and appeared to say the greeting “piacere”.
Mr Cocchi said: “I gave Kate some flowers, pink and white roses, because I’ve loved Great Britain since I was a child.
“I admire British culture, I admire British history and I’m inspired by British literature.
“I think the royal family still has an important role in British culture.”
Image of Vesuvius erupting by painter said to have witnessed it fetches £25,000
Princess Kate cheered in Italy on first trip since cancer treatment
In Pictures: Kate takes solo trip to Italy on mission for early years education
Starmer hopes King’s Speech’s ‘radical agenda’ will help save his job
Holyrood ‘dull’ and requires livening up, says MSP running for Presiding Officer
The bizarre line-up of Tommy Robinson allies due to speak at major march
