Kate Middleton’s Daring Blue Suit for Her Italy Solo Trip Holds a Deeper Meaning Following Her Cancer Journey

THE RUNDOWN

• Kate Middleton returned to Italy on May 12, visiting the town of Reggio Emilia.
• She arrived at the city’s Piazza Camillo Prampolini wearing a sky blue suit by Canadian-British designer Edeline Lee.
• Kate’s appearance in Italy marks her first overseas trip following her cancer diagnosis in 2024.

Kate Middleton arrived Italy today, beginning her first solo trip abroad since her 2024 cancer diagnosis and 2025 announcement that she is in remission.

The Princess of Wales made an appearance in the city of Reggio Emilia on May 13, and wore suit separates in a daring shade of blue after sources close to her told People that she was “energized,” “enthused,” and “excited” to be visiting the city.

For her visit to Reggio Emilia’s Piazza Camillo Prampolini, Kate wore a sky blue blazer and slacks by Canadian-British designer Edeline Lee. The Princess of Wales completed the look with a white V-neck blouse worn underneath the jacket, a pale blue handbag, and nude heels. The color of the suit hints at the state of mind that Kate might be in as she begins her two-day stay in Italy, as blue is associated with tranquility.

While at the Piazza, Kate spoke with young school children and hugged fans before heading to the city’s town hall to meet with officials.

The solo trip is a “really significant moment for her,” a royal aide told Peopleon May 12. Kate’s last trip overseas took place in October 2023 for a visit to Marseille in support of England’s rugby team as part of her duties as a patron of the RFU. Her last royal tour was to the United States in December 2022, where Prince William hosted the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston.

“[This visit] is an important step in the princess’s recovery journey. She takes great joy from this work,” a royal aide said. “I think it is only right that her first international trip since her illness is one that is focused on an issue [care and education for children under five] that is committed to championing for decades to come and is a real issue that she wants to shine a spotlight on.”

The aide added, “This is a huge moment for the princess. There will be many highlights of 2026, but this being her first international visit post her recovery...this is a really significant moment for her.”