The Princess of Wales will arrive in northern Italy tomorrow, and she’ll stay overnight on Wednesday. I don’t know how many events she has planned for her (less than) 48-hour whirlwind trip, but my prediction is “fewer than four.” Kate’s stated goal for this Italian trip is to “dig into Reggio Emilia’s internationally recognized approach to early childhood education.” But something else is going to happen during her visit: she’s going to receive an award for being keen.
The Princess of Wales will be presented with the “Primo Tricolore” – Reggio Emilia’s highest honour – in recognition of her Early Years work, Hello can reveal. Kate will be given the green, white and red flag that inspired modern-day Italy’s national symbol during her stay in the northern Italian city this week.
The Italian flag was first created in Reggio Emilia in 1797, long before the unification of Italy in 1861. The original version, bearing the coat of arms of the Cispadane Republic – four arrows surrounded by a laurel wreath, was later adopted to represent the entire country.
The city’s Mayor, Marco Massari told a council session: “We consider this visit truly prestigious because it highlights one of the experiences that make our city a model known and appreciated worldwide.
“We are convinced that the visit of a woman who uses her popularity as a vehicle for spreading educational approaches in harmony with the Reggio Approach is of great importance.”The Princess is visiting in her capacity as patron of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, rather than at the request of the UK government, so the presentation will likely happen behind closed doors rather than at a public ceremony.
You know what I find amusing? Kate is known – perhaps even renowned – for her diplomatic flag-dressing. Y’all know that she’s probably already planned to wear variations of green, red and white in honor of Italy’s flag. And now they’re going to actually present her with a flag!! I have some very strong suspicions that Kensington Palace’s cracked-out busy-work team persuaded the Italians to give Kate some kind of honor.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red and Cover Images.
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- The Princess of Wales visits Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon, to mark Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 as a Patron of Place2Be, a UK children’s mental health charity.,Image: 1074380180, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Richard Pohle/Avalon
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- The Princess of Wales before the state banquet for President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on day one of their state visit to the UK. Picture date: Wednesday March 18, 2026.,Image: 1084697581, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: – Fee Payable Upon reproduction – For queries contact Avalon sales@Avalon.red London +44 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles +1 310 822 0419 Berlin +49 30 76 212 251 Madrid +34 91 533 42 89, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Avalon.red/Avalon
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- LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Catherine, Princess of Wales smiles as she meets families with babies and young children to discuss research during the launch of “Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development” at the University of East London on May 06, 2026 in London, England. The Princess of Wales and The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood launched the new resource, which highlights the role of loving and responsive relationships play in the wellbeing of young children.,Image: 1096899968, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Chris Jackson/Avalon
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- 06/05/2026. London, UK. The Princess met families with babies and young children and discussed the research and the importance of having a trusted network of professionals who can offer clear, consistent advice early in a child’s life. Her Royal Highness visited the University of East London’s Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth. The Princess then met students on early years courses. Her Royal Highness also met Vice Chancellors and Further Education College Chief Executives from around the UK.,Image: 1096963797, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: © Kensington Palace. This image is free for use but may only be used for news or editorial reporting purposes. This image must NOT be used for any commercial or other use, save for news or editorial reporting and cannot be altered or amended in any manner or form whatsoever. All rights reserved., Model Release: no, Credit line: Andrew Parsons/Kensington Palace/Avalon
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- 08/05/2026. London, UK. The Prince and Princess of Wales during the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. The Garden Parties celebrate frontline workers from across the United Kingdom. The Parties will recognise the dedication and contribution of those who serve their communities through volunteering, supporting charitable causes and working for emergency services.,Image: 1097519856, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: © Kensington Palace. This image may only be used for news or editorial reporting purposes. This image must NOT be used for any commercial or other use, save for news or editorial reporting and cannot be altered or amended in any manner or form whatsoever., Model Release: no, Credit line: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace/Avalon
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- 08/05/2026. London, UK. The Prince and Princess of Wales during the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. The Garden Parties celebrate frontline workers from across the United Kingdom. The Parties will recognise the dedication and contribution of those who serve their communities through volunteering, supporting charitable causes and working for emergency services.,Image: 1097519925, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: © Kensington Palace. This image may only be used for news or editorial reporting purposes. This image must NOT be used for any commercial or other use, save for news or editorial reporting and cannot be altered or amended in any manner or form whatsoever., Model Release: no, Credit line: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace/Avalon
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Celebrities arrive at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards at Royal Festival Hall, London
Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales, William, Prince of Wales
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 22 Feb 2026
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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Annual Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey
Featuring: Catherine Princess of Wales
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 09 Mar 2026
Credit: Cover Images**NOT AVAILABLE FOR HELLO MAGAZINE**
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The Princess of Wales, Patron of Place2Be, a UK children’s mental health charity, visiting Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon, south London, to mark Children’s Mental Health Week 2026
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 12 Feb 2026
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
