Catherine makes special nod to George, Charlotte and Louis as she steps out in London

The engagement focused on discussing recent research into early years care and the significance of building reliable professional support networks around families.

For the event, Catherine stunned in a camel-coloured wide-leg trouser-suit over a crisp white shirt and let her hair down.

But eagle-eyed royal fans have noticed one item of jewellery displaying a touching tribute to her children, George, 12, Charlotte, 11, and Louis, eight.

The mother-of-three wore a necklace displaying the initials G, C, and L in a heartwarming nod to the young trio.

The Princess of Wales has dedicated much of her royal career to children’s development.

So much so, royal aides have previously gone as far as to describe it as “her life’s work” – today’s solo engagement was no different.

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PA

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PA

During the visit to the University of East London, the princess unveiled a new guide from her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

The 109-page publication, titled “Foundations for Life,” provides guidance on social and emotional development for practitioners and volunteers working with young children and their families.

The engagement coincided with the announcement that Catherine will undertake her first overseas royal tour since completing cancer treatment.

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Catherine, who announced she was in remission at the beginning of last year, will travel to Italy next week, where she will also focus on early childhood development.

She is due to spend two days in the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia between Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14.

Aides have indicated the Princess of Wales is “very much looking forward” to resuming international travel on an official basis.

Her last official overseas engagement came more than three years ago, when she accompanied the Prince of Wales to Boston for the Earthshot Prize ceremony.

Reggio Emilia is renowned worldwide for its distinctive approach to early years education, which positions relationships, environment and community at the heart of child development.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The Princess is very much looking forward to visiting Italy next week and seeing first-hand how the Reggio Emilia approach creates environments where nature and loving human relationships come together to support children’s development.”

The spokesman added: “As the Centre for Early Childhood continues to build its work internationally, this visit is an opportunity to connect the Shaping Us Framework with leading global approaches, and to highlight a shared understanding, that it is in these early years, through the natural world and the warmth of human connection, that we begin to lay the foundations for a resilient and healthy future.”