Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo is Prince William and Princess Kate's nanny for their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and she's worked with the family since 2014. This week, she received landmark news from the prestigious college where she trained.
The famous Norland College in Bath, where high-profile nannies train, has become the world's first early childhood university. This upgrade to university status gives the institution a greater platform on the world stage for academic research as well as attracting new students. Now it will be formally known as the Norland University of Early Childhood.
© Getty ImagesMaria studied there for four years, spending three years on the undergraduate degree program and a one year placement, just like the rest of her cohort.
Elspeth Pitman, Norland Nanny and Head of Graduates: Placements, Employment and Alumni, has previously told HELLO! about the special topics the nannies cover. Before entering their fourth year as a newly qualified nanny, students undertake two months of "added value courses."
In these sessions, Elspeth reveals that they cover "things like security, cyber security," as well as "self-defence, so that they know how to support children" and are prepared for any situation. "We do self-defence, we do defensive driving, skid pan driving and we do some additional work around working with families, communication and all of this runs throughout the three years they're with us," she says.
© Pool/Max MumbyIn 2025, Maria was recognised in the New Year Honours list with a Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) for her services to the royal family. Maria is often spotted alongside the children for high-profile events, including royal weddings and overseas tours. In the past, Maria has lived with William, Kate and the children in their home, Apartment 1A inside Kensington Palace. Now, Maria has her own off-site accommodation while the family reside at Forest Lodge in Windsor.
Princess Kate's passion project
© Getty ImagesPrincess Kate will no doubt be thrilled by the Norland nanny news, given her keen interest in childhood studies. The royal has made this topic a central philanthropic focus and often ties this in with her royal engagements. She established The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in June 2021 to drive research and in May 2026, Kate undertook a two-day official trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy, to study one of the world's most renowned early childhood education models. It works by recognising nature as "the third teacher" and allowing children to spend lots of time outdoors.
