The Prince and Princess of Wales's loyal nanny Maria Teresa Turrión Borrallo is set to receive a very special honour from the couple on Tuesday.
Maria, who trained at the prestigious Norland College in Bath, will receive the Royal Victorian Medal in Silver from Prince William at the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle as a thank you for looking after Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.
She is receiving the medal for "services to the Prince and Princess of Wales", with TV writer Sir Roy Clarke and tennis umpire James Keothavong also set to be honoured during the ceremony.
The silver Royal Victorian Medal is an honour awarded by the King for loyal service to the monarch or royal family. This differs from the honours given to sportspeople and actors, who often receive MBEs and knighthoods. Unlike many other honours, it is purely down to the monarch to decide who receives it, rather than being granted on the advice of government ministers or overseen by independent committees.
Because it is purely given at the discretion of His Majesty, it reflects a direct and personal expression of gratitude, making it an extra special honour.
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William and Kate's loyal nanny
Maria, 54, has been William and Kate's loyal nanny for 12 years, working with the family full-time since 2014 following the birth of Prince George in 2013. It's mainly a behind-the-scenes role, but Maria has accompanied them on royal tours, such as to New Zealand and Australia.
© Getty ImagesMost recently, she was seen in the back of the car as the children travelled to King Charles's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, with Prince William and Princess Charlotte in the front.
When Maria, who is Spanish, joined the household, Kensington Palace released a statement saying: "Maria will be with us full-time. We will not be providing any further details about her, except that the Duke and Duchess are, of course, delighted that she has chosen to join them. As a member of the Royal Household, we kindly ask that you respect her privacy and that of her immediate family."
What is a Norland Nanny?
"Norland nannies", as they have become known, are famous for their brown uniform and teaching the utmost levels of politeness and respect. The college in Bath has been training nannies for 134 years, since 1892, meaning it has become seen as a British institution.
Norland College is now set to become classed as a university from September, subject to approval by the Office for Students, the higher education regulator.
© Pool/Max MumbyTypically, graduates receive salaries of more than £50,000, which can rise to more than £100,000 in some cases. Those who complete the training are even guaranteed a job through the college recruitment agency.
Though Maria doesn't live at Forest Lodge with the Wales family, she does have a busy schedule with the royal children and has helped them to learn Spanish.
Norland nannies are also responsible for helping children with their homework, and importantly, providing a listening ear. They are usually in charge of breakfast, school pick-ups, and uniform and sports kit, among other duties.
HELLO! previously spoke to nanny Louenna Hood, author of Your Baby's First Year, who trained at the famous Norland College in Bath, just as the Waleses' nanny did.
© Chris JacksonShe revealed that a Norland nanny's duties evolve as the children grow, telling us: "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.
"Organisation is key for making each child has 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."
