Life as a royal is always non-stop, and when you’re raising three young children while juggling the duties of being the Prince and Princess of Wales, you definitely need backup.
That’s why Prince William and Kate Middleton have relied on the support of a nanny throughout most of their parenting years.
Enter Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the supernanny who has been with the family since 2014. She first joined when Prince George was just eight months old and has since helped raise Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as well.
Even after the family’s move to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, where Maria no longer lived with them full-time, she continued to be an important presence, often spotted on the sidelines at royal events or family outings.
But here’s where it gets royally quirky: despite working with the Wales family for more than a decade, there’s still one word Maria cannot say—“kids.”
Yes, that everyday, casual word is apparently off-limits in the royal household. Instead, the young Cambridges must always be referred to by name or as “children.”
According to author Louise Heren, who studied Norland College, where Maria trained, this ban comes straight from the school itself. Norland nannies are taught never to say “kids,” because it’s considered more respectful to address children properly.
And while Maria enforces these rules, Kate herself is said to be a very hands-on mom. Public appearances often show her engaging directly with her children, suggesting she and Maria work as a tight-knit team.
Heren notes that life behind palace walls for the children is actually surprisingly normal: waking up, having breakfast, going to school in uniform—no excuses allowed.
As for what a royal nanny is called? Simply a nanny. But those trained at Norland College carry a certain prestige. The Bath-based institution is world-renowned for producing elite childcare professionals who often go on to work with the world’s most high-profile families.
Training there isn’t just about childcare—it includes self-defense and even cybersecurity, preparing nannies for every possible scenario.
And the paycheck reflects the pressure. Royal nannies can earn up to £119,000 a year, plus perks like international travel, luxury accommodations, and the occasional designer handbag. Not bad for someone tasked with looking after the future King and his siblings.
In short: behind the palace walls, parenting may look glamorous, but it still requires structure, rules, and yes—even a ban on the word “kids.”
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