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Princess Catherine will be heading to Italy next week for her first overseas visit since 2023. It will mark her first trip aboard since her cancer diagnosis in early 2024.

Her trip, which she will be taking without Prince William, will see her travel to Reggio Emilia in northern Italy on May 13 and 14 with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The visit will focus on early childhood development and is part of a "fact-finding mission" to study the internationally recognised "Reggio Emilia Approach".

This is an educational philosophy that emphasises child-led learning, community, and the importance of environment and relationships in a child's development.

It has been reported that the reason for Catherine's decision to visit Italy without William may be "a blueprint for what is to come in the future" - especially as their children are getting older.

The couple are proud parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - with their youngest having celebrated his eighth birthday last month.

As reported by The Times, the couple's "full-on task of parenting very young children behind them".

It has also been reported that Catherine's decision to travel on her own means that William will be present to carry on with parenting duties - such as taking George, Charlotte and Louis to and from school.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said Catherine was "very much looking forward" to the visit.

They added that the Princess of Wales will see "first-hand how the Reggio Emilia approach creates environments where nature and loving human relationships come together to support children's development".

During the trip, the future Queen will be meeting with educators, parents, children, local representatives and business leaders.