NEED TO KNOW
Kate Middleton and Prince William are paying tribute to one of the most important members of their royal household staff.
The couple’s longtime nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, has received a special award as part of King Charles’ New Year Honours list. Borrallo, who has cared for Prince William and Princess Kate’s three children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — since George was born in 2013, has been awarded a Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) for her services.
Borrallo, who was born in Spain, trained at the prestigious Norland College in Bath, which specializes in childcare, before coming to work for William and Kate, both 43. Founded in 1892, the college boasts a “worldwide reputation as being at the forefront of early years education and training.”
“The curriculum at Norland has changed and progressed with the times to offer the most up-to-date academic childcare training courses and the highest practice standards in line with the latest research,” reads a statement on the college’s website. “Every Norlander carries the responsibility of maintaining our reputation to the highest of standards.”
Another Norland grad, Louenna Hood, spoke with HELLO! about the training she and Borrallo received at the school, explaining how the royal nanny’s duties will have “evolved” as the children have grown.
In her early years with the family, Borrallo was mostly seen in the background, caring for George while his parents attended events he was still too young for, like Trooping the Colour. She famously gave the world a rare glimpse at the young prince when she held him up to the window during the 2015 event.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Borrallo has also been called upon to tend to the children as they serve as bridesmaids and pageboys during royal weddings. She was photographed in her Norland uniform at the wedding of Princess Kate’s sister, Pippa Middleton, to James Matthews at St. Mark’s Church in Englefield on May 20, 2017.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
Most recently, Borrallo was photographed riding in the backseat as Prince William and Princess Charlotte departed a Christmas luncheon hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 16.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
Borrallo isn’t the only member of the royal household being celebrated on the New Year Honours list. Lance Sergeant Scott Robin Bishop, a driver for William and Kate, also received a Royal Victorian Medal (Silver).
Additionally, multiple members of King Charles’ medical team — who have cared for the monarch during his ongoing cancer treatments — became Lieutenants of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) for their service.
As far as famous faces, actor Idris Elba is set to be knighted for his services to young people though his Elba Hope Foundation. Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has received an MBE for her services to music and drama. And Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Warwick Davis has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to drama and charity.
