The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are known for being devoted parents, but with busy schedules and recent health challenges, particularly Catherine’s recovery from cancer, the nanny’s role has become vital in easing the pressure. With the babies now attending school several days a week at the prestigious Lambrook School in Berkshire, there is still plenty to do outside of school hours. The days of nappy changes and feedings are over, and Maria will now have to juggle the activities and schedules of all three.

Norland College in Bath, where Maria studied, is renowned for its excellent training and is often considered one of the top institutions for those looking to excel in childcare. Graduate nannies from Norland College can earn up to £42,000 a year for non-residential positions, with some earning as much as £120,000 after several years of experience. To get onto the prestigious £15,000-a-year course, applicants need at least three C grades at A-level, and the college only accepts around 100 students a year, requiring applicants to demonstrate a genuine passion for childcare.

The curriculum has been compared to a cross between Mary Poppins and James Bond, with students learning skills ranging from self-defence, martial arts to getaway driving. Although she no longer lives with her family, Maria remains a big part of the children’s lives, having cared for them from a young age. Maria, who is from Placencia, Spain, is much loved by her family. However, there is one word she is forbidden from using in front of the children: “kid” because it is considered disrespectful. This is also a sign of respect for children as individuals.

While Maria doesn’t see the babies often, she does spend a lot of time with the three children, taking part in activities like William and Catherine. This includes playing outside, gardening and cycling. As well as excellent training, Maria has also been taught many rules for her role, including ensuring daily outdoor playtime, enforcing strict screen time and maintaining a no-yelling policy. Helping children do things for themselves is a key principle for the Norland nanny, and we predict Maria will work in this way in the Welsh family. Additionally, learning a second language has become a tradition in the royal family, with French often being the preferred language. However, Prince George and Princess Charlotte have broken with this tradition by learning Spanish.

This decision to break with the norm may have an interesting reason, as George’s son can already count to 10 in Spanish. Nine-year-old Seana has also spoken to the Duchess. Maria allows children to be children, after all, she was responsible for the stunning series of photos of George looking out of a window during Trooping the Colour in 2015. No wedding is complete without a few tears. One of the youngest bridesmaids, two-year-old Zally Warren, looked a little overwhelmed throughout the day and had to be looked after by Nanny Maria at St George’s Chapel. She even drove with Princess Charlotte on the way to the church.

While Prince William’s childhood carers were not in attendance, many other royals, including Princess Anne, have hired nannies from the school in the past. King Charles, the future leader, and Prince Harry have both developed long-standing relationships with their nannies. Helen Lightbody, who joined the royal household a month after King Charles was born in 1948, cared for the king for eight years. As an adult, Charles continued to visit his Nanny, affectionately known as "non-nonsense Lightbody", and invited her to his 21st birthday party and his coronation as Prince of Wales in 1969.