Prince William reportedly chose to delay sharing an important social media update while Catherine was carrying out her visit to Italy, ensuring the spotlight remained on her significant return to international royal duties.
Kensington Palace later released photos of the Prince of Wales meeting award recipients at Windsor after Catherine had returned to the UK from her two-day engagement in Italy.
In a statement shared on behalf of William, the palace said: “Congratulations to everyone receiving awards in Windsor earlier this week, such a special and well-deserved recognition of your contribution and service.”
The message also praised female athletes, adding: “Especially proud to see women in sport honoured and celebrated. An inspiring reflection of the impact you continue to have both on and off the field.”
Catherine’s Italy visit marked her first official foreign trip since her cancer diagnosis and recovery. According to one of her aides, the visit represented a “really significant moment” as the Princess of Wales begins taking on a more active international role again.
The future Queen had not undertaken an overseas royal engagement since travelling to Boston in 2022 alongside William for the Earthshot Prize ceremony.
Following the visit, Catherine reflected on the experience in a heartfelt social media message.
“Over the past two days in Reggio Emilia, I have seen first hand the power of nature and creativity that put human connection at the centre of a child’s world,” she wrote.
“I have had such a deeply moving and unforgettable time here. Thank you to the people of Reggio Emilia for welcoming me into a culture of care with such warmth and generosity.”
She added: “Our collective work in early childhood must be to protect and nurture the connections that form the foundations of life-long wellbeing.”
