When Prince William and Princess Kate began their family 11 years ago, they brought in a highly skilled 'secret weapon' to help care for their children: Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, their trusted nanny.
The couple’s three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—benefit from extensive Royal Family security, but they share a special bond with Maria, who has been a steadfast presence since 2014, when George was just eight months old.
Maria is not your typical nanny. She is a graduate of Norland College in Bath, Somerset, a prestigious institution renowned for training childcare professionals who often go on to work with royalty and celebrities.
Norland nannies are easily recognizable by their distinctive uniforms, including a beige dress, shrug, bowler hat, and gloves—attire Maria has worn at official family events like Princess Charlotte’s christening.
Beyond traditional childcare, Norland nannies receive extensive training in security and self-defense. According to the college's website, nannies are trained by former military intelligence officers on how to manage potential security risks and stay safe online. They also undergo self-defense training led by a Taekwondo expert and learn advanced driving techniques to handle any situation on the road.
Dr. Janet Rose, the principal of Norland College, explained in the Royal Baby documentary that the program has evolved to include modern elements like security and cyber training, making some people joke, "It's James Bond meets Mary Poppins." While not intended to turn nannies into bodyguards, the training ensures they are prepared for any challenge.
Just as Prince William had a Norland nanny named Tiggy Legge-Bourke during his childhood, his own children now benefit from the expertise and care of Maria Borrallo, the family’s invaluable 'secret weapon.'
