The British Princess has visited the Italian city of Reggio Emilia, famous for coining a student-centred approach to understand early childhood philosophy. The approach considers children as capable, curious individuals who learn through self-directed play, experiential project work and exploration using many languages such as; art, music, building and drama to develop.

This was Princess Kate’s first visit since undergoing cancer treatment privately in London. The central theme to her public work is to engage with learning more and supporting the early years sector. She is a key public figure in the childhood development area and her visit with Reggio Emilia is to consider the relationship between the environment and community and how this aids a child’s development.

She met with administrators, teachers, parents and children to understand the roots of the city’s schools and how the environment and nature, aid learning.

Princess Kate visited two pre-schools to observe the approach in action. The schools focus on community and have sociable spaces known as piazzas that encourage a free-flow space and for children to learn and explore through colours, sounds and textures.

Princess Kate’s visit will no doubt inspire the public to become more aware of the Reggio Emilia approach to learning.

1. Why was Reggio Emilia chosen as the destination for Princess Kate’s first overseas trip after her cancer treatment, and how does its educational philosophy align with her public work?

2. In what ways did the visit symbolise both a personal and institutional milestone for Princess Kate?

3. How did the historical origins of the Reggio Emilia educational movement contribute to the symbolic importance of Kate’s visit?