The Princess of Wales will be presented with the “Primo Tricolore” – Reggio Emilia’s highest honour – in recognition of her Early Years work, Hello can reveal. Kate will be given the green, white and red flag that inspired modern-day Italy’s national symbol during her stay in the northern Italian city this week.

The Italian flag was first created in Reggio Emilia in 1797, long before the unification of Italy in 1861. The original version, bearing the coat of arms of the Cispadane Republic – four arrows surrounded by a laurel wreath, was later adopted to represent the entire country.

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales attends the wreath laying and parade service as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations at Cenotaph on April 25, 2026 in London, England. © Samir Hussein/WireImage
The royal is set to receive a special honour

The city’s Mayor, Marco Massari told a council session: “We consider this visit truly prestigious because it highlights one of the experiences that make our city a model known and appreciated worldwide.

“We are convinced that the visit of a woman who uses her popularity as a vehicle for spreading educational approaches in harmony with the Reggio Approach is of great importance.”The Princess is visiting in her capacity as patron of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, rather than at the request of the UK government, so the presentation will likely happen behind closed doors rather than at a public ceremony.