While Prince William and Princess Catherine are hands-on parents, the demands of royal duties necessitate additional support in raising their children. Enter Maria Theresa Turion Boralo, the dedicated nanny to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Since 2014, Maria has been an essential figure in their lives, starting when George was just a few months old. But what truly surprised royal fans was the remarkable salary Maria commands for her prestigious role.
Maria is no ordinary nanny. She trained at Norland College in Bath, a renowned institution known for producing some of the most elite childcare professionals in the world. The cost of obtaining a degree at Norland is not for the faint-hearted. A three-year BA course in Early Childhood Education and Care costs approximately £17,364 per year. The program focuses on professional leadership, management, and practical childcare skills, ensuring graduates are among the best in the field.
Given her elite training and years of experience, Maria earns a salary fitting for someone of her expertise. Newly qualified Norland nannies can earn up to £42,000 annually for non-residential positions. However, those with extensive experience, like Maria, can earn up to an astounding £120,000 per year. Along with this impressive salary, Maria’s position includes luxurious benefits, such as international travel and top-tier living accommodations.
Royal fans were quick to share their thoughts on Maria’s earnings, with many agreeing she is worth every penny. One fan remarked, “She is no doubt worth every pence she makes. These ladies are outstanding.” Another added, “Maria is a highly skilled lady with children, and I’m sure she had Catherine’s back when she was fighting cancer.” However, others pointed out that the job isn’t just about the money, with one saying, “Money isn’t everything; I wouldn’t want her job.”
Dr. Janet Rose, Principal at Norland College, described the unique qualities that make Norland nannies stand out. “Norland nannies need to be loving, kind, honest, creative, practical, responsible, organized, and willing to continually learn and improve to do the very best for the families and young children with whom they work,” she said. “We aren’t looking for an in-depth knowledge of babies and young children because we 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 lives of the children they work with.”
Originally from Palencia, Spain, Maria has seamlessly integrated into the royal household. Along with her prestigious training, she adheres to several strict childcare principles, including mandatory daily outdoor playtime, limited screen exposure, and a no-shouting policy. These guidelines align closely with the Wales family’s parenting approach, ensuring that the children grow up well-rounded and grounded despite their royal status.
Royal commentators have long recognized the significant influence nannies have on royal children. Pauline McLaren, a royal expert, emphasized Maria’s vital role: “Royal nannies play important roles in the lives of royal children. Apart from looking after their everyday needs and security, they can also offer a lot of support in developing the children’s cognitive and social skills.” This is evident through royal history, as King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry all share deep bonds with their nannies. Helen Lightbody, who cared for King Charles from infancy, remains a close figure in his life well into adulthood, even attending his 21st birthday party and his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969.
While Maria’s salary is undoubtedly impressive, her impact on Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis is immeasurable. As a skilled and dedicated professional, Maria plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of the future king and his siblings. For many, she is truly worth every penny.
