Kate Middleton‘s recently concluded solo royal tour to Italy was marked by a warm reception, with fans turning out in large numbers to greet her. However, the mother of three committed a “faux pas” during an outdoor interaction with a child, several weeks after her mother-in-law Queen Camilla made the same blunder.

Although the trip was widely seen as a success, royal experts have suggested that engagements like this may become less frequent in the future, as Kate is expected to continue prioritizing her family and health over royal duties.

Kate Middleton Received A Rousing Welcome In Italy

Princess Kate hit the ground running on the first day of her solo working trip to Italy last week.

She visited Reggio Emilia in northern Italy to promote her early years work around childhood development and learn more about the renowned “Reggio Emilia Approach” to early childhood education.

The Princess of Wales wore a blue power suit and waved warmly to fans upon her arrival at Piazza Camillo Prampolini, per Hello Magazine. She also made an impression by speaking “perfect” Italian with some of the children who had gathered to greet her.

Still outside in the square, Kate appeared to be in great spirits as she met with the Mayor of Reggio Emilia, Marco Massari, and was introduced to Salvatore Angieri, Prefect of Reggio Emilia, before making her way inside.

Kate Made A Royal Misstep In Italy
However, the Princess of Wales appeared to commit a subtle “faux pas” that royal watchers were quick to link to a similar moment involving Queen Camilla just two weeks earlier.

While bending down to speak to a child outside Reggio Emilia Town Hall, Kate placed her brand-new bag on the bare ground, most likely so she could gesture freely while interacting with the children.

However, many etiquette experts consider the move a social blunder. The moment also stood out because of the accessory’s pricey nature, which reportedly retails for over £3,000 (about $4,054).

Kate appeared to correct the misstep later in the afternoon during a visit to the Loris Malaguzzi International Center, where her assistant held on to the bag behind her.

Kate Middleton Earned Praise For Her Italy Trip

Kate’s Italy trip marked her first official international visit since she was diagnosed with cancer.

Royal experts have suggested that the solo outing signals she is increasingly being trusted to handle high-level assignments within the monarchy and could take on more roles in the near future.

“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,” royal contributor Jessie Bond told The Mirror.

Kate Middleton’s Italy Trip Could Open More Doors
The expert also explained that Kate’s motherly instincts and caring nature are valuable assets to the royal family, adding that she “has a star quality that no other royal can bring to an occasion.”

The Princess of Wales has often described her initiatives around childhood development as her “life’s work,” and following the success of her trip to Italy, Bond suggested that more engagements of this nature could open up to her.

“If she feels comfortable about it, this visit will no doubt be the gateway to further official trips overseas,” Bond said. “There’s long been talk that she and William might go to the States later this year, or to Australia at some point, perhaps with the children.”

The exact nature of Kate’s cancer diagnosis remains unknown, but it has been announced that she is in remission and will continue to focus on making a full recovery.

In a report on the Daily Mail, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams suggested that the future will “look different” for Catherine, as her engagements are likely to be structured in a way that does not place too much stress on her.

Fitzwilliams added that Kate will most likely continue to prioritize her family and health over royal duties, meaning it may be too soon to assume she is fully back to her former workload despite her solo trip to Italy.

“Her life’s work is in early childhood, and she was working on this as soon as she was able,” the expert noted. “Yet after her devastating experience, there has clearly been a fundamental change.”