Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is set to return to Italy later this week as part of a fact-finding tour 26 years after she went to the country on her gap year
A journalist who took the same trip to Florence as the Princess of Wales has spoken about her experiences of visiting the city.
Melissa Twigg said that, like the future Queen in the year 2000, she spent the first few months of her gap year at the British Institute in Florence.
Following her visit to the popular tourism hub, Melissa has written about some of the things she saw and experienced, including how moved she was by some of the paintings at the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery.
Writing in the Telegraph, Melissa said: “While the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery were always reasonably busy, we often had smaller institutions such as the Pitti Palace, the Bargello and the Medici Chapels almost to ourselves.
“And even though I was a rather silly 18-year-old, I do remember being deeply moved by some of the paintings. I’m not surprised the Princess later chose to read history of art at the University of St Andrews.”
Melissa’s comments come as the Princess of Wales sets out on a worldwide mission to attempt to transform early years development for children.
Today (May 13) Kate arrives in Italy, specifically in the Reggio Emilia region, on a fact-finding mission for her Centre for Early Childhood that will involve finding out more about the Reggio Emilia Approach to childhood development, focusing on their potential for self development.
This solo trip is Kate’s first since her diagnosis with cancer in February 2024, one which has resulted in a staggered approach to a return to royal duties. In January 2025 it was announced that she had gone into remission from cancer, but her recovery continued gradually.
This trip marks a big moment for Kate and, according to former royal correspondent Jennie Bond, is a significant evolution in her role within the Royal Family.
Speaking to the Mirror, Jennie explained: “This is certainly a welcome milestone in Catherine’s journey to full recovery, and the King will be delighted. He undoubtedly trusts her implicitly to represent the Royal Family both at home and abroad.”
Jennie added that pride for Kate will be felt not just by the King, who has had a cancer battle of his own in recent years, but also by her husband, Prince William.
She explained: “She has a star quality that no other royal can bring to an occasion. And that’s a valuable asset for the monarchy.
“William will be equally pleased, and proud, to see his wife undertake an official solo trip abroad – it speaks volumes about her growing self-confidence after such a devastating health scare.”
Jennie added that, should Kate feel “comfortable” after this solo visit, it could lead to further overseas trips.
She said: “If she feels comfortable about it, this visit will no doubt be the gateway to further official trips overseas… But Catherine has made it clear that her health and her family still come first…so we shall all just have to be patient.”
