In the world of royalty, the most visible figures are often supported by a dedicated team working quietly behind the scenes. One of the most important members of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s household is Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the trusted nanny who has cared for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis since 2014. After more than a decade of devoted service, she has received a significant royal honour: the Royal Victorian Medal (Silver).
The award, announced in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List, recognises Borrallo’s “exceptional service to the Prince and Princess of Wales”. It was presented by Prince William himself during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on March 24, 2026. This article explores the life and career of the Wales family’s nanny, the significance of her award, and the vital role she has played in raising the future of the British monarchy.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo |
| Known For | Nanny to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis |
| Profession | Nanny, Childcare Professional |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Birthplace | Madrid, Spain (raised in Palencia) |
| Date of Birth | Estimated 1972 (age 54 in 2026) |
| Education | Norland College, Bath |
| Years of Service | 2014–present (12+ years) |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Award | Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) |
Who Is Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo?
Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo is the long-serving nanny to the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales. A Spanish-born childcare professional, she joined the royal household in 2014, shortly after Prince George was born. Since then, she has been a constant and steady presence, caring for Prince George (born 2013), Princess Charlotte (born 2015), and Prince Louis (born 2018).
Trained at the prestigious Norland College in Bath, England, Borrallo represents a tradition of elite childcare that dates back to 1892. Her role extends far beyond typical nanny duties; she is a trusted member of the household who has supported the family through royal tours, milestone events, and the everyday routines of raising children in the public eye.
The Royal Victorian Medal: A Rare Personal Honour
The Royal Victorian Medal is a unique distinction within the British honours system. Unlike MBEs, OBEs, or knighthoods, which are awarded on the advice of government ministers, the Royal Victorian Order is bestowed solely at the discretion of the reigning monarch. It was established by Queen Victoria in 1896 to recognise “exceptional personal service to the sovereign or members of the royal family”.
The medal comes in three grades—gold, silver, and bronze—and recipients may use the post-nominal letters RVM after their name. Borrallo received the silver grade, a significant honour for her lengthy and loyal service. It is a rare public acknowledgment for someone whose professional success has depended on staying out of the limelight.
A Decade of Discreet Service
Joining the Wales Household
Borrallo was hired by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (as they were then known) in 2014. A Kensington Palace statement at the time confirmed: “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”. She was recruited on the recommendation of palace staff and quickly became indispensable.
A Life of Duty and Discretion
Over the past twelve years, Borrallo has operated discreetly in the background of one of the world’s most scrutinised households. She has shepherded the royal children through their earliest years with calm authority and near-total anonymity. She has accompanied the family on major overseas tours and has been a constant presence as the Wales family moved from Kensington Palace to Anmer Hall and later to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
While she is rarely seen in public, she has made a few notable appearances. She was photographed wearing the distinctive brown and white Norland uniform at Pippa Middleton’s 2017 wedding and at Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015. More recently, she was spotted in the back of Prince William’s car as the family returned from King Charles’s Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace in December 2025.
More Than Childcare: Stability for Future Monarchs
Royal commentators note that Borrallo’s role extends far beyond traditional nanny duties. She has been there for first steps no cameras saw, for night-time fears during royal tours, and for the quiet routines that make extraordinary childhoods feel normal. In a life defined by scrutiny, she has been a consistent presence.
A source told People magazine: “Maria loves the children dearly. She can be firm and strict, but she is very loving and soft with them, too”. She has also shown a personal touch, sourcing a cream bonnet from a Spanish family firm for Princess Charlotte’s first public appearance outside the Lindo Wing.
The Investiture Ceremony
On March 24, 2026, Borrallo received her medal during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. The award was presented by Prince William, making the moment especially meaningful.
However, in a deliberate effort to maintain her privacy, images and video of Borrallo at the event were not shared with the media. While other honourees were photographed receiving their awards, the nanny was deliberately kept out of the public eye. This decision reflects the discretion she has maintained throughout her career and the palace’s respect for her privacy.
Norland College: The Making of a Royal Nanny
Borrallo’s expertise is rooted in her training at Norland College in Bath, an elite institution that has been producing nannies for the rich and famous since 1892. The college is renowned for its distinctive brown uniforms, its emphasis on manners and respect, and its comprehensive three-year degree course.
The training is rigorous and modern, costing £36,000 in total. In addition to traditional childcare skills, the curriculum has evolved to include martial arts training and stunt driving to cater to modern clients, many of whom are celebrities and the super-rich. This blend of traditional discipline and modern expertise has made Norland graduates highly sought after by high-profile families.
Other Wales Household Honours
Borrallo was not the only member of the Wales household to be recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours List. Lance Sergeant Scott Robin Bishop, the driver to the Prince and Princess of Wales, also received the Royal Victorian Medal for his key role transporting the couple to and from engagements. The honours highlight the vital, often unseen, contributions of the staff who support the royal family in their daily lives.
Key Takeaways
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Who Received the Award: Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the Spanish-born nanny to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
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What She Received: The Royal Victorian Medal (Silver), a rare honour bestowed personally by the monarch.
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Why She Received It: For over 12 years of loyal and exceptional service to the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.
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When and Where: The award was announced in the 2026 New Year Honours List and presented by Prince William at Windsor Castle on March 24, 2026.
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Her Background: Trained at Norland College in Bath, she joined the household in 2014 and has been a constant presence in the children’s lives.
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Privacy: No photos or videos of her receiving the award were released, in keeping with her discreet professional life.
FAQ Section
Who is the nanny for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children?
Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo has been the nanny for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis since 2014.
What award did Kate and William’s nanny receive?
She received the Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) in the 2026 New Year Honours List.
When did Maria Borrallo receive the award?
The medal was presented to her by Prince William during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on March 24, 2026.
What is the Royal Victorian Medal?
It is a personal honour from the monarch, established by Queen Victoria in 1896, given for “exceptional personal service to the sovereign or members of the royal family”. It is awarded at the sole discretion of the King.
Why was Maria Borrallo given the medal?
She was recognised for her “exceptional service to the Prince and Princess of Wales” after more than a decade of loyal and discreet service to the family.
Where did Maria Borrallo train?
She trained at Norland College in Bath, England, an elite institution known for producing nannies for high-profile families.
How long has Maria Borrallo worked for the royal family?
She has worked for the Prince and Princess of Wales since 2014, which is over 12 years.
Why were there no photos of Maria Borrallo receiving her medal?
In an effort to maintain her privacy, images and video of her receiving the award were deliberately not shared with the media.
Is Maria Borrallo Spanish?
Yes, she was born in Madrid and grew up in Palencia in northern Spain.
Does Maria Borrallo live with the royal family?
She lived with the family at Kensington Palace but stopped being a live-in nanny when they moved to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. They have since moved to Forest Lodge.
Conclusion
The Royal Victorian Medal awarded to Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo is a fitting tribute to a woman who has dedicated more than a decade of her life to the welfare of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s children. In a world of constant public scrutiny, she has provided stability, consistency, and loving care to the young royals. Her honour recognises not just her professional excellence but the quiet, steadfast service that has helped shape the next generation of the British monarchy. It is a reminder that behind every great institution are individuals whose contributions, though unseen, are invaluable.
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