The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, are known for their hands-on approach to parenting, but they have relied on the expertise of their trusted nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, since 2014. Trained at the prestigious Norland College in Bath—the gold standard for elite childcare—Maria has cared for Prince George (now 12), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7) for over a decade. Recently honored with a Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) in the New Year Honours list, Maria’s methods reflect Norland’s emphasis on structure, positivity, and long-term healthy habits.
One of the most talked-about aspects of her routine is the strict “golden rule” around mealtimes, designed to prevent fussy eating and cultivate adventurous palates. Insights from fellow Norland-trained nanny Louenna Hood, who shared her expertise in a 2020 interview, shed light on the approach Maria likely employs. The core principle? Never label a child as a “fussy eater.”
Child psychologist Dr. Sasha Hall explains the reasoning: repeatedly calling a child fussy can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to internalized negative associations with food and increased anxiety around eating. Instead, Norland nannies view picky preferences as a normal phase of development that can evolve through positive, low-pressure experiences.
To achieve this, key strategies include:
- Regularly introducing new foods: Every few days, children are exposed to fresh flavors and ingredients without force or coercion. This gradual approach expands their tastes over time.
- Family-style eating: Whenever possible, meals are shared together, providing role modeling from adults and reducing pressure on the children.
- Making mealtimes enjoyable: Techniques like involving kids in simple preparation—such as kneading homemade pizza dough, a favorite activity for George and Charlotte—help demystify food and build enthusiasm.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady, who cooked for previous generations, echoes this philosophy, noting that nannies traditionally “educate palates” with balanced, vegetable-rich menus while introducing varied dishes.
Other mealtime traditions in the Wales household reinforce good habits: no devices at the table to encourage conversation, and an emphasis on polite manners. At formal events, the children historically dine separately until mastering adult-level etiquette, though William and Kate prioritize relaxed family dinners at home.
This thoughtful, evidence-based method ensures George, Charlotte, and Louis develop a healthy, lifelong relationship with food—proving that even royal mealtimes blend discipline with warmth.
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