The Prince and Princess of Wales' nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, has played an important part in the royal family for over a decade.
Maria has been working for the royal couple since 2014 when Prince George was an infant. Over the years, she's supported the Waleses behind-the-scenes and was honoured with a Royal Victorian Medal in Silver from Prince William in March in recognition of her work.
While she's often out of the limelight, Maria has become a valued member of staff and a loyal nanny to the royal couple's three children. Read on for all you need to know about the Spanish native childcare professional, from her impressive credentials to how she is invaluable to the Waleses.
© Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty ImagesTop tier credentials
Maria hails from the Spanish city of Palencia, where she was born and raised. She then undertook training at the prestigious Norland College in Bath, which ensured she was well-prepared for working in the spotlight.
The college has been training nannies for over a century since 1892. As a world-renowned institution specialising in childcare education, Norland's nannies are sought after by prominent families – including the royals. Maria has worn her famous brown uniform in public to Princess Charlotte's christening in 2015, where she was pictured alongside the late Queen Elizabeth II, and at Pippa Middleton and James Matthews' 2017 wedding.
© Chris Jackson"High-profile families recognise the high-level of training our students have. It's three years, it's practical, it's theoretical," Elspeth Pitman, Norland Nanny and Head of Graduates: Placements, Employment and Alumni, exclusively told Best Quality Designer Handbag in January.
"They can support with the psychology elements; they can support with the care of the child. We teach them about working with the whole family, with other professionals. The training is extensive. So high-profile families choose us for that reputation."
Behind-the-scenes role
Maria first joined William and Kate for their tour of New Zealand and Australia in 2014 – eight months after their first son George was born. "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," a statement from Kensington Palace at the time announced.
Since then, she's been seen on car journeys the children and looking after them in behind-the-scenes photos from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2018 wedding. She was recently spotted in the back of the car with the children while on the way to King Charles's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace.
© Pool/Max MumbyWith Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, now all at school, Maria's duties have evolved, as Louenna Hood, author of Your Baby’s First Year, who trained at Norland College, told HELLO! in 2024. One such duty she would be trained for is making sure the children's school uniforms fit and are labelled correctly, Louenna revealed. Other tasks include planning nutritional meals, support with their homework, and planning activities to "engage our little ones".
"Being a support, and alliance to your charge is increasingly important as the children grow into young adults," she said. "Car journeys usually prove a great place to become a listening ear, so you understand what your charge is finding difficult at school or what they are particularly enjoying."
Where does she live?
Maria was a full-time live-in nanny when the royals resided at Kensington Palace. However, when the Waleses moved to Windsor in 2022, they opted to not have any of their employees live with them at the residence.
The royals then relocated from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge, where they currently live, in October last year. It is likely Maria lives nearby for convenience.
