It’s Busy Being Royal — Even for the Kids
Life in the royal spotlight comes with a full calendar, and Kate Middleton and Prince William’s family is no exception. That’s why, like many working parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales rely on the support of a nanny to help raise their three young children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Although William and Kate are known for their hands-on approach to parenting, balancing royal duties with family life requires a reliable extra set of hands.
Enter Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo — the trusted nanny who has been a key part of the royal household since 2014. Trained at the prestigious Norland College, she’s helped care for the royal children for more than a decade.
But even after all these years in royal service, there’s one surprising rule Maria reportedly follows closely: there’s a word she is strictly not allowed to say around the children.
Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo has worked for the royal family as a nanny since 2014 (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Do Prince William and Kate Middleton Still Have a Nanny?
Yes, Prince William and Kate Middleton continue to have a trusted nanny as part of their family life — Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. She has been with the Wales family since 2014, when Prince George was just eight months old, and remains a key figure in caring for their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
While Maria was once a live-in nanny, that changed when the family relocated to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. Though she no longer resides with them full-time, she remains actively involved in the children’s daily care and routines.
She’s also a familiar but discreet presence at royal events and public outings, often spotted just on the edge of the action, always nearby but never in the spotlight.
The Waleses also worked with another nanny, Caroline Redgrave, for five years. She once described the family’s home life as “beautifully ordinary,” noting how grounded and down-to-earth the royal children are behind palace walls.
William and Kate have a nanny who abides by strict rules (Credit: Splashnews)
Royal Family Nanny’s ‘Banned’ Word Revealed
When it comes to raising the future heirs to the throne, even language matters. It’s been revealed that one surprising word is off-limits when caring for Prince William and Princess Kate’s children — and that word is “kids.”
According to author and royal expert Louise Heren, the young royals — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — are never referred to as “kids.” Instead, they are always addressed by name or as “children,” in keeping with the traditional and respectful approach taught at Norland College, where their longtime nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, was trained.
Heren, who spent a year at Norland researching for a documentary, explained, “It’s all very intentional. It reflects the values of respect, proper communication, and structure that are central to Norland training — and to royal upbringing.”
Why the Royal Nanny Is Banned from Saying One Common Word Around George, Charlotte, and Louis
Raising royal children comes with a unique set of rules — even when it comes to language. One of the most unexpected? The word “kids” is strictly off-limits.
According to author and royal expert Louise Heren, student nannies at the prestigious Norland College — where Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the royal nanny, trained — are explicitly taught not to use the word “kid.”
“The word kid is banned,” Heren told The Mirror. “It’s a mark of respect for the children as individuals.”
As a result, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are always referred to either by their full names or simply as “the children.” This subtle linguistic rule reinforces the values of politeness, individuality, and formality that are deeply ingrained in royal upbringing — and it’s likely Maria follows this to the letter in the Wales household.
Kate Middleton and Prince William have a ‘hands-on’ approach with their kids (Credit: John Rainford/Cover Images)
Kate Middleton Is a ‘Hands-On’ Mum Despite Having a Nanny
While Kate Middleton and Prince William rely on the support of their trusted nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the Princess of Wales is still described as a highly involved and “hands-on” parent.
Royal expert and author Louise Heren shared insight into Kate’s parenting style, emphasizing the collaborative and close relationship she likely maintains with Maria.
“Given what we’ve seen of Catherine in public, she’s very hands-on,” Heren explained. “I imagine her relationship with Maria is very close, and they collaborate greatly on the care of the children.”
Despite their royal titles and public roles, life inside the Wales household may be more down-to-earth than many expect. “I’ve spoken to nannies who have worked with other royal families,” Heren continued, “and life is pretty normal. You get up, have breakfast, you go to school, and you wear your school uniform — whether you like it or not.”
She added that the children’s routine is “quite like that of average British schoolchildren,” highlighting William and Kate’s efforts to give Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis a grounded upbringing.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have had the same nanny since 2014 (Credit: Splashnews)
What Is a Royal Family Nanny Called?
There isn’t a special title for a nanny who works for the royal family — they’re simply referred to as a nanny. However, many royal childcare professionals are trained at Norland College, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous training program. Nannies who graduate from Norland are often referred to as Norland Nannies.
Thanks to their exceptional training and professionalism, Norland Nannies are frequently employed by high-profile families, VIPs, and royalty around the world.
Kate Middleton and Prince William have had a royal family nanny for most of their parenting lives (Credit: Cover Images)
How Much Do Royal Family Nannies Get Paid?
Working as a nanny for the royal family is a prestigious and demanding role — after all, you’re caring for the future heirs to the British throne.
It’s reported that royal nannies can earn up to £119,000 (approximately $155,000 USD) per year, not including perks like luxurious accommodations, designer goods, and international travel. These high salaries reflect the extensive training and experience required for the job.
Most royal nannies are graduates of Norland College in Bath, a world-renowned institution known for producing elite childcare professionals. Norland’s intensive program includes studies in child development, first aid, self-defence, cybersecurity, and etiquette — preparing its students for high-profile roles with VIP and royal families around the globe.
Thanks to this elite training, Norland Nannies can earn over £2,000 per week once fully qualified.
