The Wales family, renowned for their modern approach to royal duties, owes much of their domestic harmony to Maria Teresa Turrion Borallo, their trusted nanny. Since Prince George was just eight months old, Maria Teresa, trained by the prestigious Norland College, has been a vital support system for the family. However, there is one key responsibility that the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has chosen to handle herself: the school pick-ups and drop-offs for her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis.
According to Louenna Hood, a fellow Norland-educated professional, Maria Teresa’s role would typically include organizing school pick-ups and managing the logistics of different pick-up times due to after-school activities. “Organisation is key for making each child have a filling breakfast, fueling them for a busy day at school,” Hood explained to Hello! magazine. “And remembering to send the children to school each day in the right uniform or sports kit.”
Kate Middleton, however, has famously prioritized these school runs, a choice that reflects her commitment to being a hands-on mother. The Princess reportedly feels a strong “pressure to ‘get it right’” with her children, making school runs and attending sporting fixtures a significant part of her daily routine. This decision is not without its challenges, as Kate herself has admitted to experiencing “mum guilt” when unable to fulfill these duties.
The Balancing Act of Royal Parenting
In a candid moment on the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, Kate shared her struggles with balancing royal responsibilities and motherhood. She recounted a morning when George and Charlotte questioned her absence at their school drop-off, asking, “Mummy, how could you possibly not be dropping us off at school?” This sentiment resonates with many mothers, as Kate noted, “It’s a constant challenge – you hear it time after time from mums, even mums who aren’t necessarily working and aren’t pulled in the directions of having to juggle work life and family life.”
Despite the demands of her royal role, both Kate and Prince William strive to be present for their children’s school and extracurricular activities as much as possible. Kate’s dedication to attending her children’s sporting events has not gone unnoticed by other parents. Panthea Parker, from The Real Housewives of London, told Hello! that she has seen Kate “quite a few times” at her son’s school matches against Lambrook, noting that Kate “never misses any of her children’s matches” and is “amazing” for her devotion.
Inspired by Her Own Upbringing
Kate’s commitment to her children’s upbringing is deeply influenced by her own parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. She has often described them as “hugely dedicated” to her and her siblings, Pippa and James. “I really appreciate now as a parent how much they sacrificed for us,” Kate reflected. “They came to every sports match, they’d be the ones on the side-line shouting, and we’d always have our family holidays together.”
This strong foundation set by her parents has undoubtedly shaped Kate’s approach to parenting. Her determination to be actively involved in her children’s lives is a testament to the values instilled in her from a young age. Even with the support of Maria Teresa, who was recognized in the King’s 2026 New Year’s Honours List with the Silver Royal Victorian Medal, Kate remains committed to taking on school-related duties herself.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Royal Parenting
As the Wales family continues to navigate the complexities of royal life, Kate Middleton’s hands-on approach to parenting sets a modern precedent for future generations. Her ability to balance royal duties with personal commitments highlights the evolving nature of the monarchy, where traditional roles are being redefined to accommodate the demands of contemporary family life.
While the challenges of parenting in the public eye are significant, Kate’s dedication to her children and her willingness to share her experiences publicly provide a relatable narrative for parents everywhere. As the royal family looks to the future, the example set by the Princess of Wales will likely influence how royal duties and family responsibilities are managed in the years to come.
