Kate Middleton must follow strict royal rules during first solo trip since cancer diagnosis
Kate Middleton is preparing to embark on a solo trip to Italy, which will be her first time travelling overseas since her cancer diagnosis - and she must follow a rigid set of rules.
The Princess of Wales, 44, made her diagnosis public in March 2024, for which she underwent chemotherapy, before confirming she's in remission in January last year.
She's gradually been returning to royal life, and now, in a major milestone, she's about to head on a working visit with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, marking her first extended official foreign trip in nearly three-and-a-half years.
Leaving her hubby, Prince William, and their three children at home in the UK, Kate will visit the city of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy for two days from 13 to 14 May, where she will focus on early years child development.
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Kate's aides shared how she was 'very much looking forward' to getting back to international travel after her last official overseas visit in December 2022, when she went to Boston, US, with the Prince of Wales for his Earthshot Prize award ceremony.
She also undertook brief trips overseas to Marseille, France, for the Rugby World Cup in the autumn of 2023, and the Crown Prince of Jordan’s wedding in Amman in June 2023, but these were not considered by her royal household to be official foreign tours.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: "The princess is very much looking forward to visiting Italy next week and seeing first-hand how the Reggio Emilia approach creates environments where nature and loving human relationships come together to support children’s development.
“As the Centre for Early Childhood continues to build its work internationally, this visit is an opportunity to connect the Shaping Us Framework with leading global approaches, and to highlight a shared understanding that it is in these early years, through the natural world and the warmth of human connection, that we begin to lay the foundations for a resilient and healthy future."
What are the rules royals have to follow on international trips?
When they travel overseas for working trips, while it may look like a holiday, the British Royal Family has to follow a series of strict rules.
Fly with BA
As per Cosmopolitan, they always have to travel with British Airways if they can when flying commercial, as it's important to support the country's flagship airline.
However, this isn't always a possibility and William and Kate have previously travelled in an RAF jet for security reasons.
Pack at least one black outfit
Secondly, the royals must apparently always pack a spare black outfit in case, morbidly, a member of the Royal Family dies while they're abroad.
According to the publication, this rule came into force in 1952, when the late Queen Elizabeth II was in Kenya and learned that her father, King George, had died; however, she didn't have a black dress with her to return home in.
She had to wait for a dress to be delivered before leaving the plane.
Emergency blood supplies
Equally morbidly, the most senior of the royals are reportedly expected to travel with blood bags that match their blood type in case of an emergency, especially in case the host country is struggling with its own supply.
Familiarising themselves with the country
Ahead of visiting a new country, the royals have to learn the basics of its language and culture.
Etiquette expert Myka Meier told Reader's Digest: "The internal palace aides will always be on hand to prepare each royal before an important visit. It is the correct protocol to practice the etiquette of the country or culture you are visiting, in order to show respect, so each royal knows how to make the best first impression."
Dress to impress
As per Hello! Magazine, this also extends to the fashion choices the royals make, as they'll often be expected to wear outfits or carry accessories that are significant to the host country.
Royal family biographer Marcia Moody explained in Town & Country: "Adhering to dress codes means that for some countries hemlines, sleeve-lengths, and necklines need to be considered.
"Men may need tie pins, medals, sashes, and handkerchiefs. Women often pay respect to the country with a national flower or symbol incorporated into their clothing. Symbolic colours are chosen, significant jewellery decided upon."
The expert added that a lot of last-minute outfit changes also happen on the plane to avoid wrinkling or spills before the cameras start flashing.
Not the most glamorous place to get ready!
Topics: Kate Middleton, Royal Family, Travel, UK News, Prince William
Madison Burgess