The Princess of Wales has enjoyed a fact-finding mission at a pre-school as part of her first overseas trip since undergoing cancer treatment.
Kate began her second day in Italy with a tour of an infant-toddler centre and nursery school in Reggio Emilia near Bologna.
The royal was invited to learn more about an innovative approach to teaching young children developed in the country.
Known as the Reggio Emilia Approach, after the city that pioneered the teaching method, it is recognised across the world and stresses the importance of parents, educators and the environment - "the third teacher".
Salvador Allende Scuola dell'infanzia teaches children aged up to six and is part of Reggio Emilia's renowned municipal educational system.
The school focuses on outdoor learning and environmental education, and includes a garden with features like a willow tree and a bamboo forest.
The princess spent time with children learning outdoors and met the educators whose commitment to nature shapes the design and ethos of the school.
The Princess of Wales revealed at the start of last year she was in remission after receiving chemotherapy treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
She has not travelled abroad for a major visit since December 2022 when she went to Boston in the US with the Prince of Wales for his Earthshot Prize award ceremony.
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The royal received a rapturous welcome on her arrival to Italy on Wednesday.
Chants of "Kate, Kate, Kate" rang out around a piazza in Reggio Emilia after she was greeted by mayor Marco Massari and received his city's highest honour - Primo Tricolore - during a town hall ceremony.
After Mr Massari read out the princess' early years credentials during a short ceremony, she put her hand on her heart and said: "Wow, what an honour. I'm very grateful, it's very gratefully accepted."
(c) Sky News 2026: Princess of Wales visits nursery in Italy to learn about innovative teaching methods

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