In this week's edition of Emily in Palace, our Royal Editor analyses Princess Kate's recent trip to Italy and the impact of the political chaos on the King.

Princess Kate is returning to royal trips

Princess Kate will do similar trips to this in the future (Image: DX)

The “Kate effect” was on full display in Italy last week. At every turn, she was greeted by cheering crowds – even though all but one of her six engagements had not been publicly announced. There couldn’t have been a better location for the Princess of Wales to mark her return to overseas trips, with the city of Reggio Emilio proving to be the ultimate welcoming party.

The small northern Italian city was abuzz with excitement, with more than 3,000 people gathering in the central piazza to welcome her. It was quite the spectacle, loud chants of “Kate, Kate”, hands full of flowers, a sea of phones held up – and of course, a beautiful baby for her to coo over.

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All the balconies overlooking the square were similarly packed full of people cheering and vying for a view of their royal visitor. Her visit clearly set the town alight and their pride that the future queen had wanted to visit them and learn more about their early years approach was clear for all to see.

The Princess Of Wales Visits Reggio Emilia - Day 2

Princess Kate spent two days in Italy (Image: Getty)

And I couldn’t believe my eyes when the staff at one of the schools burst into tears after she had left. It was surreal but a strong indication of the royal wow factor and just how much a visit to a small city such as this means to ordinary people.

We’re told that visits such as these, short trips away from home that allow for enough impact without being away from the children for too long, will become more frequent.

The model has already been tried and tested by Catherine’s husband, the Prince of Wales, who has focused on making an impact within a smaller time frame than traditional royal tours. His Earthshot Prize, the biggest moment of his year, is the exception, typically taking place over a week.

The princess’ Italian job has raised the possibility that she may join William if he goes to the US to support England in the 2026 World Cup this summer, which coincides with the country’s celebrations for the 250th anniversary of independence. And she may even join him for the Earthshot Prize Awards in Mumbai, India later in the year.

Flying visits are likely to become the new normal for the couple as they seek to modernise the Firm’s approach. They still see travel as an important part of their role, but they will continue to move away from lengthier trips to ensure they continue to safeguard precious family time with their children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, especially as they approach a crucial stage in their education.

King Charles III meets members of the Jewish community after

King Charles has had a very busy week (Image: Getty)

The King's firing on all cylinders

The King’s incredible stamina clearly knows no bounds amid a remarkable number of engagements last week. Notwithstanding the tricky King’s Speech he had to deliver amid the chaos of the crumbling Labour Party, Thursday saw him conduct an impressive four engagements.

He started with a moving visit to Golders Green to show his support to the Jewish Community, then teamed up with actor Sir Idris Elba at the Other Palace shortly afterwards.

But his day didn’t stop there; he hit the decks at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party celebrating 50 years of the King’s Foundation and then headed to the Royal Ballet. There really is no stopping him – despite the Queen’s vocal concerns that he’s pushing himself too far. It’s just a good job the Government is in turmoil otherwise they might start thinking of increasing the retirement age.

Prime Ministers Line-Up

Queen Elizabeth had 15 prime ministers during her 70 year reign (Image: Getty)

Another prime minister, really?

Over Queen Elizabeth II’s impressive 70-year reign, she was served by 15 prime ministers. Each one governed for an average of four years and seven months, with six staying in office for over five years. They navigated the country through the Cold War, economic crashes, huge societal change and the war on terror.

But the King, who has been on the throne for not even four years, is set to welcome his fourth prime minister. Hopefully this one stands the test of time as the country is in desperate need of some strong and stable leadership (to quote former PM Theresa May) after burning through six leaders over the past decade.

Prince Harry, Duke Of Sussex Visits Kyiv Security Forum

Prince Harry has condemned antisemitism in the UK (Image: Getty)

Harry's at it again

It was coincidental timing that on the day the King visited the Jewish community, his estranged son wrote an opinion piece speaking out on the “deeply troubling” rise in antisemitism in the UK.

I’m not convinced it’s a case of joined up thinking, as both his father and older brother have condemned the issue in recent months. While the Duke of Sussex is right to speak out on the matter, the timing of such a statement is once again suspicious.

Would this not have been better coming directly after the Golders Green attack last month, rather than on the same day the monarch spoke on the issue and while his sister-in-law resumes her first overseas trip since her cancer ordeal?

I fear it's just another case of one-upmanship and an attempt to overshadow the work of the real working royals.