Princess Catherine 'Kate' Middleton of Wales on Wednesday visited the centre for early education founded in the Italian city of Reggio Emilia by ground-breaking pedagogue Loris Malaguzzi and questioned members of the Reggio Children foundation on the 'Reggio Emilia Approach' she is very interested in to apply to her own foundation for young children's development.
After arriving at the Loris Malaguzzi International Center, Her Royal Highness got out and walked a short distance before being greeted by Emanuela Vercalli, Reggio Children's Head of International Relations, who accompanied her to the entrance, along with President Maddalena Tedeschi and Education Director Paola Riccò.
Handshakes were followed by Kate's first words.
"I'm very excited," she said, then immersed herself in the world of Reggio Children, curious to understand the "Reggio Approach." "As soon as she walked in," Reggio Children said, "she said she was happy to be here and to learn about the Reggio Children world, already asking several questions.
"In particular, she asked how the international study groups work and how parents participate in school life.
"She then emphasized the importance of translating books into various languages, as well as the importance of parents as valuable allies in pedagogy." Kate said after meeting a pioneer of the approach, Ione Bartoli: "I wanted to come to Reggio Emilia because of this great interest of mine.
I'm fascinated by your philosophy, by how children are part and center of the community." Bartoli, along with two other historical figures, Carla Moroni and Eletta Bertani, told her how the Reggio Approach began and, more importantly, what lies behind it.
The Princess of Wales spent about an hour with the three ladies, along with the mayor, then signed the roll of honor of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia, before leaving the town hall and enjoying a second visit to Piazza Prampolini, packed with fans, including children.
Princess Kate received three gifts from the Municipality: the book "Reggio Emilia" by Franco Maria Ricci, on the history of the city; a ceramic plate decorated in Ars Canusina, with friezes reminiscent of those on Matilda of Canossa's castle, and a package of "Speaking Objects," objects that tell the story of a place.
Inside, she found everything from the city's Cappelletto chapel to Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava's local works, and even a miniature Tricolore flag.
Meanwhile her many admirers present in Reggio told of how far they had travelled and how excited they were to see the princess in the flesh.
Mariangela Redaelli, 56, left Lecco north of Milan this morning at 4:00 a.m.
to secure a front-row seat behind the barriers in Piazza Prampolini in Reggio Emilia.
Wearing a hat and a stabilized flower in her hand, she managed to exchange a few words with Princess Kate.
"I'm still shaking, for me it's a dream come true. I met the king, but this is the first time I've seen the princess." And like Mariangela, hundreds of other people were there, including ladies, young people, and adults, many with children, and a truly diverse audience.
Princess Kate often addressed the ladies with "buongiorno" in Italian, exchanged words, accepted countless flowers, and took a few selfies.
Most offered her compliments and declarations of love; some even shouted "stay strong." This is the Princess of Wales's first trip abroad since undergoing cancer treatment in 2024.
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