Kate Middleton's bold gesture during Italy solo trip decoded by body language expert

The Princess of Wales has now arrived in Italy for her first major royal tour in more than three years with her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

Kate Middleton was welcomed to the city of Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy today (13 May) by the city’s mayor, Marco Massari, with the two-trip finishing on Thursday (14 May).

The trip is to help the mother-of-three learn about an innovative approach to early years teaching for children.

The visit attracted hundreds of locals to the city’s Piazza Prampolini, where they gave the princess a booming welcome outside the town hall.

The two-day visit to Reggio Emilia, which is near Bologna, is the beginning of a 'really significant moment' after her cancer recovery, an aide said, with Kate 'taking it up a gear' in her 'global mission'.

Kate Middleton arrived in Reggio Emilia as part of her two-day solo Italy trip (Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

The future Queen will take her early years crusade around the world to start a conversation about the issue, the aide added.

Kate's solo trip to Italy marks her first time travelling overseas since her cancer diagnosis.

She made her diagnosis public in March 2024, for which she underwent chemotherapy, before confirming she's in remission in January last year.

The Italy trip marks Kate's first time travelling overseas since her cancer diagnosis (MARCO BERTORELLO / Contributor / Getty Images)

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, body language expert Darren Stanton revealed to Tyla that Kate 'showed so much' in such a short space of time during her visit today.

"She is supremely confident, exiting the car with a massive, genuine smile - her whole face was engaged," he explained. "She had an instant connection with the Italian dignitaries, matching and mirroring them straight away."

He then detailed the impact of Kate's bold 'gestures'.

According to the expert, Kate took big strides, which is 'linked to confidence, as is the way she places her hands on her hips'.

"Her eye contact was strong throughout," Darren continued. "This confidence, combined with her genuine enjoyment and warmth, draws people to her instantly. Her gestures were quickly reciprocated by those waiting for her."

He concluded by referring to Kate as 'a real shining light of the royal family', adding: "Her ability to conduct herself on a solo trip so expertly makes her such a vital asset to the monarchy."