The British royal family has had a particularly demanding month. Princess Kate Middleton recently underwent abdominal surgery that requires an extended recovery period, and King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.
According to the Palace, the Princess of Wales is expected to return to her royal duties around Easter. In the meantime, she continues to handle some responsibilities from home.
Kate’s surgery has affected not only her own schedule but also that of Prince William. During her hospital stay, William had to postpone or reschedule several royal engagements to care for the couple’s three children, who did not visit their mother at the London Clinic.
Fortunately, William had the support of the family’s long-time nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. She has been with the family since Prince George was just eight months old.
An insider told Hello! Magazine, “She is not married and doesn’t have a boyfriend, as her life is totally dedicated to the family she works for. She is known for being completely professional—married to the job.”
When Kate and William are away, Maria is entrusted with making all decisions regarding the children. She was trained at the prestigious Norland College in Bath, known for producing highly qualified childcare professionals.
“Maria is firm, but she never disciplines the children unilaterally,” a royal insider explained. “Kate, William, and Maria maintain a strict approach with the children, but they have a remarkable ability to make it seem effortless.”
Upon her hiring, Kensington Palace released a statement:
“Maria is a full-time nanny who started work with us recently and will be accompanying the Duke and Duchess and Prince George to New Zealand and Australia. We will not be giving further details on Maria or her employment, except to say that the Duke and Duchess are, of course, delighted she has chosen to join them.”
Parenting expert Jo Frost also praised Maria’s role, telling Hello! Magazine:
“The blessing of her nurturing ways and wonderful service to the family leave the children in good, steady hands, affording William the flexibility to be present as a father, attend to his royal duties at home, and offer the emotional support his wife needs.”
Meanwhile, Prince William faces what royal biographer Angela Levin describes as a “difficult time” balancing his public duties and private life. To add to the pressure, Prince Harry was recently in Britain, and the relationship between the brothers remains strained.
“William has gotten used to Harry being rude, unkind, and attacking his wife,” Levin told GB News. “He doesn’t want anything to do with Harry at the moment—and you can’t blame him. Harry has spread untruths about both William and Catherine.”
Levin added, “It’s very hard. I don’t know how you can completely change that. It’s difficult to turn over a relationship and forget the past. I don’t think people can do that.”
