Princess Kate surprises with 'perfect' Italian speaking voice on day one of landmark trip - best photos

Royal fans have gathered to catch a glimpse of the Princess of Wales, during the first day of her visit to Reggio Emilia.

A bunch of women were seen waving down to the street as they were poised for the royal's arrival. 

"Ciao Kate" read one of the signs made by a royal fan as they eagerly awaited the arrival of Princess Kate at the Town Hall. 

Mayor of Reggio Emilia Marco Massari was seen waiting for Catherine, Princess of Wales in Camillo Prampolini square.

Princess Kate arrives in an all-blue suit by Edeline Lee, greeted by the mayor of Reggio Emilia, Marco Massari, with a handshake. The royal looked glowing with her hair perfectly waved for the occasion and she strutted with confidence for this landmark visit clutching an Asprey bag in powder blue.

The royal bent down in her designer suit to speak to children upon her arrival. 

The future Queen made sure to get down on the children's level to chat to them and it was later revealed by our Royal Editor, Emily, that Kate even spoke Italian to the young kids. Around 20 children aged between three and five-years old from Reggio Emilia-based Robinson Pre-School, greeted the princess in the main square.

Alice, 5, said afterwards: “She asked my name in Italian. She spoke Italian very well.”

Teacher Roberta Marzi said meeting the princess was ‘emotional’.

She added: “She asked them some simple questions but her Italian was perfect she spoke clearly.”

While it may not be usual protocol for royals to hug members of the public, Princess Kate decided to do exactly that on her arrival. She was seen hugging a lady after a selfie together.

The royal graciously accepted a gift of flowers from one royal fan. Want to know if royal family members are allowed to keep gifts from the public? Here's everything we know.

The mother-of-three beamed as she waved at the crowds, looking incredibly chic in her designer suit which features a ruched detail at the back, extenuating her amazing figure. She matched her two-piece with a blue-hued Asprey bag.

Princess Kate stayed true to her signature makeup look, sporting a delicate smokey eye and a pop of colour on her cheeks. She was glowing!

Princess Kate couldn't resist cooing over a three-month-old baby in the crowd. The royal pulled faces and smiles at the adorable tot. 

Kate then sat down with the mayor inside Reggio Emilia’s Town Hall to chat with some of the women who shaped the childhood philosophy approach. The pioneers are Carla Nironi, Iona Bartoli and Eletta Bertani.

While inside, the Princess of Wales was presented with the 'Primo Tricolore', the city's highest honour, in recognition of her early years work by the mayor of Reggio Emilia, Marco Massari.

After leaving the town hall, the Princess stopped for selfies, delighting royal fans. Prince William's wife has been branded "glamorous" and "beautiful" by onlookers, reports our Royal Editor, Emily Nash.

The next stop for the Princess of Wales was the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, a place where researchers, teachers, and families come together for the documentation of children’s learning.

Never one to just sit back, Princess Kate tried her hand at one of the creative tools at the centre.

Kate then took part in a clay atelier workshop, led by atelierista, Marco Spaggiari.

The Princess of Wales sat down for a drink and a chat at Loris Malaguzzi International Centreto share her thoughts on childhood studies and development. 

Kate's final visit of the day saw her visit a pre-school, designed for children aged between three and six. In one of the rooms, there were several children painting flowers. During conversations, the royal asked whether any had touched the flower's "soft" petals.

As the royal said her goodbyes, two of the students plucked up the courage to ask for a hug. And as you can see, Kate indulged their adorable request!