The Prince and Princess of Wales' nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, was rewarded with a special honour on Tuesday when she received the Royal Victorian Medal in Silver from Prince William at the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle as a token of thanks for looking after Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.
Spanish native Maria, who was trained at the prestigious Norland College in Bath, has worked with the Wales family since 2014, and there is one particular element of her training that comes in use daily with the royal children.
© Getty ImagesHELLO! previously spoke to nanny Louenna Hood, the author of Your Baby's First Year, and a fellow Norland College alum.
Royal nanny Maria's critical skill
She told us that a Norland nanny's duties evolve as the children grow, revealing: "Organisation is key for making each child have a filling breakfast, fuelling them for a busy day at school. And remembering to send the children to school each day in the right uniform or sports kit."
© Samir Hussein/WireImageShe added: "With children at school during the day, you are required to organise school pick-ups and plan logistics of the different pick-up times due to after-school sports and clubs."
Royal nanny's approach to feeding royal children
When it comes to organising the children's food, a Norland nanny is trained to approach diet in a way that prevents little ones from becoming 'fussy eaters'.
Louenna revealed that this includes eating with the children, encouraging children to help in the kitchen, and enforcing the rule that children always have to try everything, even if it's just one bite. Then, after tasting it, if they don’t like it, the nanny simply removes it from their plate.
Involving George, Charlotte, and Louis in mealtimes
Dr Sasha Hall, a HCPC-registered senior education and child psychologist, told us that there is particular value to Louenna's last rule.
© Getty"Children are more motivated when they feel a sense of control. Providing structured choices, such as one bite or five bites, encourages participation without creating power struggles," the child psychologist explained. "The key is that eating is framed as a choice, not a test."
© Getty ImagesShe adds: "Pressure, bribery or visible frustration can heighten anxiety and reduce appetite. A calm, consistent adult response helps children feel safe and supported, even when they eat very little."
Learning to remain calm is certainly a key part of a Norland nanny's training. This helps Maria to keep on top of her duties with the Wales children during her working hours, as she does not live with the family – an arrangement the royal couple came to create a sense of normalcy for their children at home.
