Princess Catherine was given a sweet nickname by fans after she began her royal tour in Italy on Wednesday. The Princess of Wales was met with cheers as she arrived in Reggio Emilia yesterday to learn all about an innovative approach to early years teaching.

Prince William's wife, who is in Italy without him, was welcomed by the city's mayor Marco Massari as she began the trip with her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. Before leaving the town centre to travel to Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, a place where international researchers, teachers, and families focus on creativity, research, and the documentation of children's learning, Catherine spent time greeting crowds who had waited to catch a glimpse of the future Queen.

As well as shaking hands with adults, Catherine greeted many children, speaking to them in Italian and engaging with them.

This included a young baby, who Catherine was seen talking to and tickling their toes.

The moment was caught on video and shared online, with fans giving Catherine the sweet nickname of "Children's Princess".

One fan wrote on X: "The way 3 month old baby Elena reacted to the Princess of Wales in Reggio Emilia today says it all. Truly the Children's Princess!"

Another said: "Babies and children are naturally drawn to her, she doesn't even have to try to get their attention."

Someone else commented: "Children respond to kindness. Catherine really is The Children's Princess and her love of children shines through."

Another royal fan said: "This is too adorable. Princess Catherine is truly the Princess of Children."

Princess Catherine will begin day two of her Italy trip within the next few hours, where she will spend more time with local children learning about the ways the area works to improve their development.