The Woman Taking Care of Prince William’s Children – A Posh Nanny with Ninja Skills

In an era where the line between public figures and their private lives blurs, the role of a nanny caring for royal children becomes a subject of fascination. The royal children are well cared for by their specialist nanny.

The royal children require a level of care and protection not common with many other children. Enter Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the Spanish-born nanny with an impressive resume, including a diploma from Norland College—often referred to as the Harvard for English nannies.

Borrallo’s appointment to care for Prince William and Princess Catherine’s children underscores the blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes the British Royal Family today.

When Prince George was born in July 2013, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, understanding the unique demands of their roles and the importance of a stable childhood for their firstborn, enlisted the services of Borrallo.

By the time Prince George was two, his sister, Princess Charlotte, had joined the family, and Borrallo’s responsibilities expanded to include the newest Cambridge.

The choice to hire Borrallo was influenced by the Duchess’s desire to be a hands-on mother, with Borrallo providing support when necessary.

The Spanish native, recommended to the royal family, soon became an integral part of the Cambridge household, reflecting the trust and affection the family places in her.

Borrallo’s background is as intriguing as her current role. Educated at Norland College in Bath, located 100 miles west of London, she underwent extensive training in a program that balances traditional childcare methods with modern security techniques.

This prestigious institution, founded in 1892, has earned its nickname, the Mary Poppins school, because its graduates are considered to be among the best nannies in the world. They are trained in everything from defensive driving and security awareness to the essentials of caring for a future monarch.

Norland nannies, like Borrallo, are recognizable by their distinctive Edwardian brown uniform, complete with a bow tie, felt hat, and white gloves—a uniform that has remained largely unchanged since the college’s inception.

This attire is not just about tradition; it signifies the high standards and the comprehensive training that Norland nannies undergo. From learning to push the large Silver Cross prams favored by the royals to mastering cloth diaper folding and opting for cotton wool over wipes for the most gentle baby care, Borrallo’s training ensures she is equipped for every aspect of childcare.

Moreover, the training at Norland includes skills that seem more at home in a spy thriller than a nursery. Taekwondo, evasive driving maneuvers to escape paparazzi, and techniques to ward off would-be kidnappers are all part of the curriculum.

These skills are not taught for their sensational value but to prepare nannies for the realities of caring for children in the most scrutinized families on the planet.

The college’s motto, “love never faileth,” underscores that despite the rigorous and diverse training, the core of a Norland nanny’s role is to provide loving, empowering care that fosters the child’s growth.

Borrallo joined the Cambridge family in 2014 when George was about eight months old. Since then, she has been a constant presence in the lives of George, Charlotte, and later, Prince Louis, often spotted in her Norland uniform at public events, including Princess Charlotte’s christening. Her dedication and the high standards of care she provides are a testament to her training and her personal commitment to the family she serves.

The Norland training program is intense and highly competitive. With courses covering everything from practical childcare skills to self-defence and high-speed driving, it prepares nannies for every conceivable situation.

The fact that Borrallo was selected from such a program speaks volumes about her professionalism and the trust the Duke and Duchess place in her.

Yet, for all her skills and the intrigue that comes with her training, Borrallo remains a discreet figure, dedicated to the well-being of the Cambridge children.

Her role, blending traditional nanny duties with the unique demands of caring for royal children, reflects the modern Royal Family’s balancing act between their public duties and private lives.

Borrallo’s integration into the royal household extends beyond her professional duties; her ability to seamlessly blend into the family dynamic, respecting their privacy while providing unwavering support, highlights her adaptability and dedication.

This balance of professionalism with personal warmth has made her an indispensable part of the Cambridge family’s life. A royal commentator has even observed, “Other than his parents, Prince George’s nanny is the person who knows him best in the whole world.”

Norland College’s commitment to blending time-honored childcare methods with skills like defensive driving and martial arts underscores the comprehensive nature of its program, preparing nannies for the complexities of modern childcare, including those in the public eye.

The role of a royal nanny, as exemplified by Borrallo, plays a significant part in shaping public perceptions of the royal family. Her presence, often captured in media photographs and public appearances, contributes to the narrative of a family that values tradition, professionalism, and the well-being of its youngest members. Borrallo, in her traditional Norland uniform, becomes a symbol of this commitment.

While the core responsibilities of nurturing and protecting royal children remain unchanged, the skills and training Borrallo possesses reflect the modern challenges and scrutiny faced by today’s royal families.

Although the royals are close with Borrallo, at the end of 2022, they were without her for the first time. After having been with the family for years, and even teaching Princess Charlotte her native language, Borrallo had to move out as the family’s new residence did not have space for her.