The Princess of Wales visits Italy to explore Reggio Emilia’s internationally recognised approach to early childhood

The Princess of Wales visited Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy this week as part of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s work to explore leading international approaches to early childhood development.

The visit focused on Reggio Emilia’s internationally recognised approach to early childhood education, which places relationships, environment and community at the centre of a child’s development.

Conversations with civic leaders explored the city’s history, and the cultural and educational circumstances that led to the development of the Reggio Emilia Approach. The Princess was also joined by key figures who helped shape the philosophy, offering an opportunity to see first‑hand the strong civic engagement that underpins the city’s educational identity.

At the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, the principal hub for the promotion and teaching of the Reggio Emilia Approach, The Princess learned more about the philosophy and principles underpinning this globally respected educational model. During the visit, core concepts of the approach were explored, including the idea of the “hundred languages” of learning and the central role of ateliers and atelieristas. These specialist artist‑educators are a defining feature of the approach, guiding children to express themselves and explore the world through paint, clay, movement, shadow, sound and play.

Over the two days, The Princess spent time with local educators, families, and business leaders, and took part in a range of activities that are central to the Reggio Emilia Approach, including:

• Taking part in an immersive clay workshop at the Loris Malaguzzi Centre, demonstrating how creativity and play help children remain connected to themselves and the world around them
• Spending time with children learning outdoors at the Salvador Allende Scuola dell’Infanzia, to see how nature-based learning is embedded into the school’s early years approach
• Touring the REMIDA Creative Recycling Centre, which finds collaborative and creative ways to repurpose discarded materials as tools for children’s exploration and discovery

The day concluded at a rural agriturismo (farm-stay), where The Princess invited people she had met during her visit and their families to share food, stories and time together. The gathering also provided an opportunity to thank the community for its hospitality and to recognise the shared commitment that sustains Reggio Emilia’s culture of care.

The two days also provided an opportunity to share the Shaping Us Framework, launched by the Centre in 2025, and further explore its connection to international approaches to social and emotional development.