Maria Teresa Turrión Borrallo is Prince William and Princess Kate’s nanny for their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. She’s worked with the family full-time since 2014, following the birth of Prince George in 2013. While she remains largely behind the scenes, she has been pictured helping out at big royal events and during trips abroad. It’s unknown if the royal children use Maria’s given name when talking to her, but did you know she also has a lesser-known moniker?
Maria is a Norland nanny, which means she was trained at Norland College in Bath, a prestigious college that’s been running since 1892. In a video shared by the institution, it was revealed that pupils refer to themselves as a 'Norlander'.
© Pool/Max MumbyDr. Rebecca Digby, Vice Principal and Head of Learning, Teaching and Research at Norland College, has previously told Best Quality Designer Handbag that Norland nannies' "high level of attention to detail," in addition to the "depth and breadth in their understanding" is very attractive to high-profile families "because it's a hallmark of quality that you know that somebody has got the experience and expertise because they've worked very hard to gain it over four years of intensive training".
Where does nanny Maria live?
© GettyIn the past, Maria has lived with Prince William and Princess Kate and their children; however, since they departed London and opted for a life away from the spotlight, they chose to not have any live-in staff. However, it is likely that employees like Maria, including chefs and housekeepers do live nearby for ease. The family currently live at Forest Lodge on the Great Windsor Park estate and there are lots of cottages on the estate that are often used for staff lodgings.
© Getty ImagesMaria’s special recognition
Maria was presented with a Royal Victorian Medal in Silver from Prince William at the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier this year.
The silver Royal Victorian Medal is a particular honour awarded by the King for loyal service to the monarch or members of the 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.
Princess Kate on mum guilt
© Getty ImagesWhile Princess Kate may not be your ordinary ‘mum’ she does experience mum guilt just like the rest of us. “Anyone who doesn't [experience mum guilt] as a mother is actually lying! Yep – all the time, yep – and you know even this morning, coming to the nursery visit here – George and Charlotte were like 'Mummy how could you possibly not be dropping us off at school this morning?' But no it's a constant challenge – you hear it time and time again from mums, even mums who aren't necessarily working and aren't pulled in the directions of having to juggle work life and family life… and always sort of questioning your own decisions and your own judgements and things like that, and I think that starts from the moment you have a baby!"
