August M
King Charles has unveiled his New Year’s Honours list for 2026, recognising a figure whose work has largely taken place behind palace doors.
The award highlights the importance of personal service within the Royal Household and draws attention to someone central to the daily lives of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ children.
Quiet recognition
Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the long-serving nanny to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, is to receive the silver Royal Victorian Medal.
The honour is awarded at the monarch’s discretion for personal service to the Sovereign or members of the Royal Family. It is considered a private gift from the King rather than a recommendation from government.
The Express reported that the award acknowledges Maria’s role within the Wales family over more than a decade.
Long service
Maria began working for the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2014, shortly after the birth of Prince George.
Since then, she has been a constant presence as the family expanded and the children took on increasingly public roles.
Despite her senior position, little is publicly known about her, reflecting the discretion expected of those working closely with the royals.
According to the Express, she is originally from Spain.
Elite training
Maria trained at Norland College in Bath, an institution widely regarded as one of the most prestigious nanny schools in the world.
Norland graduates frequently go on to work for royal households and high-profile families. Newly qualified nannies can earn around £42,000 in non-residential roles, with salaries rising to as much as £120,000 after several years of experience, the Express reported.
Perks can include overseas travel, luxury accommodation and high-end clothing.
High standards
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Norland College principal Dr Janet Rose said students must be “creative, resilient and practical”, as well as capable of maintaining confidentiality.
The college’s website states: “Norland offers world-class training to those aspiring to be the very best professional childcare practitioners.”
Around 100 students are admitted each year, with an acceptance rate of about 50%. The course costs £15,000, and students are known for their distinctive uniforms, inspired by Mary Poppins-style dress.
Dr Rose added: “We aren’t looking for in-depth knowledge of babies and young children because we will teach them this.
Instead, we’re looking for what we can’t teach – an absolute commitment to being the person that changes the world through shaping the life of the children they work with.”
Sources: Express, Daily Mail
