Princess Kate Advocates for Children to ‘Slow Down’ Amidst Fast-Paced World During Visit to Loris Malaguzzi International Centre
The Princess of Wales visited the esteemed Loris Malaguzzi International Centre in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on May 13, 2026. During her visit, she engaged with educators and early childhood practitioners, emphasizing the importance of encouraging children to slow down in today’s fast-paced environment.
Focus on Early Childhood Development
Princess Kate’s visit to the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre marked her second stop in Reggio Emilia. She interacted with professionals who implement the Reggio Emilia approach, which is renowned for its focus on social and emotional development in early childhood education. The centre’s president, Maddalena Tedeschi, guided the Princess through the facility, highlighting its unique features designed to foster interaction and play among children.
Engaging with Innovative Learning Spaces
As she toured the centre, Princess Kate explored the “light atelier,” a creatively designed space filled with hanging plastic waves and various ornaments. Tedeschi explained how this environment encourages children to engage with their surroundings. The Princess remarked on the necessity of helping children notice the sensory details in their environment, acknowledging the challenges posed by the rapid pace of modern life.
When presented with a table of colorful plastic objects intended for play, she shared her own experiences during lockdown, where she and her children sought out household items in a rainbow of colors for creative activities.
Insights from the Reggio Emilia Philosophy
The Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, established in 2006, serves as a hub for international educators, researchers, and families interested in the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Each year, it attracts over 130,000 visitors eager to learn about this innovative approach to early childhood education.
During her visit, Princess Kate expressed her excitement about finally being able to experience the centre, stating that she had been looking forward to this visit for quite some time. The centre’s focus on creativity and documentation of children’s learning resonated with her advocacy for early childhood development.
Hands-On Experience in the Atelier
Following a private briefing with the centre’s team, Princess Kate was introduced to the “100 languages poem,” a concept developed by Loris Malaguzzi that emphasizes the myriad ways children can express their thoughts and feelings. The Princess then participated in a clay atelier workshop, where she engaged with atelierista Marco Spaggiari and learned about the practical applications of the atelier model.
As she worked with clay, she humorously noted her familiarity with the messiness of creative play, given her experiences as a mother. This hands-on involvement underscored her belief in the value of tactile experiences for children.
Meeting Global Educators
At the conclusion of her tour, Princess Kate met with a group of delegates from Latin America who had traveled from Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia to learn more about the Reggio Emilia approach. She expressed her appreciation for the philosophy that underpins this educational model, emphasizing its therapeutic aspects and the importance of fostering genuine connections in educational settings.
As she departed, Emanuela Vercalli, the centre’s international relations lead, presented her with flowers, expressing gratitude for her visit. The Princess reciprocated, stating her desire to stay longer and her appreciation for the knowledge she gained during her time at the centre.
For further details on this visit, refer to the original reporting source at www.mirror.co.uk.
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Published on 2026-05-13 20:07:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk