Staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

[Osipi]

Would a nanny be expected to perform anything of educational value like a child would have gotten in a kindergarten or a pre-school or is their role "only" to keep the child clothed, fed and busy during the day?

I wouldn't think the nanny would be required in any way, shape or form responsible for educating the child but most definitely is there to correct the child when he misbehaves, teach him that "no" means "no" and to say "please" and "thank you". There may be educational toys and books and interactive playtimes and nap times and schedules and routines that both nanny and child adhere to at the wishes of the parents.

Having a nanny also adapts the child early on to easily adjusting to the fact that mom and dad may not be around because they need to "work" and as full time royals working for the "Firm", we know its not a 9-5 workday and can demand the parents to be gone mornings, afternoons and nights and even sometimes overnight. Nanny becomes something like a security blanket for both child and parents.

 

[Countessmeout]

I wouldn't think the nanny would be required in any way, shape or form responsible for educating the child but most definitely is there to correct the child when he misbehaves, teach him that "no" means "no" and to say "please" and "thank you". There may be educational toys and books and interactive playtimes and nap times and schedules and routines that both nanny and child adhere to at the wishes of the parents.

Having a nanny also adapts the child early on to easily adjusting to the fact that mom and dad may not be around because they need to "work" and as full time royals working for the "Firm", we know its not a 9-5 workday and can demand the parents to be gone mornings, afternoons and nights and even sometimes overnight. Nanny becomes something like a security blanket for both child and parents.

Nannies with a degree in early childhood education is becoming more and more of a thing. If you want a job with the kind of family who pays well, you better have one. Nannies are not seen simply as teaching them manners and daily tasks. They spend huge amounts of time with kids. The kids who do best in school are ones who are also worked with at home.

 

[soapstar]

A number of off-topic comments have been deleted. Let's stick to discussing the Sussex staff.

 

[JR76]

Nannies with a degree in early childhood education is becoming more and more of a thing. If you want a job with the kind of family who pays well, you better have one. Nannies are not seen simply as teaching them manners and daily tasks. They spend huge amounts of time with kids. The kids who do best in school are ones who are also worked with at home.

That was what I was thinking.
Thanks to those who replied to my question.
Either way, we can be sure that Archies parents chose the best person or persons they can to take care of him. Harry himself had a very close relationship to Clara Knight and to Tiggy Legge Burke so he knows how important it is to choose a good nanny. Many of them stay on in the royal households for decades and in some cases help take care of more than one generation of royal children - Clara Knight was the nanny of both the Queen Mum and her two daughters, Jessie Webb helped care for William, Harry, George and the Linley kids while Nenne Björnberg in Sweden ended up as the best friend of Princess Sibylla, the mother of the current king, and with the important position of Head Housekeeper at the Royal Palace while I believe that Tiggy ended up as a personal assistant of Prince Charles.

 

[theroyalfly]

I saw a clip about this organization where Maria was from. They are not just really purely nannies. They are also skilled in other areas. They are also taught how self-defense and such. So I bet, royal kids learn from them too.

 

[MARG]

As to the Nanny situation, I can see there is no rush. Having said that, I hope they employ a Norlands Nanny. Their qualifications are unparalleled in the UK and their skills, from early childhood education to martial arts and defensive driving and even defensive pram pushing are truly amazing.

If you have to leave your darling for a daytime or evening engagement, you can't ask for better. What's more, you don't need a NDA as Norlands have their own.

 

[Ista]

There was extensive discussion about the special skills and training received by Norlands nannies at the time the Cambridges employed Maria Borrallo, and their qualifications are very impressive, so if they could find the right person, a Norlands nanny would be a good choice. It will be interesting to see where the Sussexes end up finding their nanny, and how long it takes. With the tour now on the calendar, it seems to me finding someone who is the right fit would have become a priority, if they haven't already.

 

[muriel]

As to the Nanny situation, I can see there is no rush. Having said that, I hope they employ a Norlands Nanny. Their qualifications are unparalleled in the UK and their skills, from early childhood education to martial arts and defensive driving and even defensive pram pushing are truly amazing.

If you have to leave your darling for a daytime or evening engagement, you can't ask for better. What's more, you don't need a NDA as Norlands have their own.

There was extensive discussion about the special skills and training received by Norlands nannies at the time the Cambridges employed Maria Borrallo, and their qualifications are very impressive, so if they could find the right person, a Norlands nanny would be a good choice. It will be interesting to see where the Sussexes end up finding their nanny, and how long it takes. With the tour now on the calendar, it seems to me finding someone who is the right fit would have become a priority, if they haven't already.

Great as the Norland nannies may be, I would be surprised if H&M got one. I suspect they probably view Norland nannies as being too traditional, and may want a more contemporary approach to childcare, perhaps somebody American?

Also, the Cambridges have gone Norland, so I doubt Meghan will follow that path.

 

[Countessmeout]

Great as the Norland nannies may be, I would be surprised if H&M got one. I suspect they probably view Norland nannies as being too traditional, and may want a more contemporary approach to childcare, perhaps somebody American?

Also, the Cambridges have gone Norland, so I doubt Meghan will follow that path.

If Harry and Meghan choose not to go Norland it is a choice they will make. Harry and William didn't have Norland nannies and they were very close to theirs. That may be an influence for them.

There are plenty of great nannies out there. Contrary to the DM and other newspapers, there isn't just the 'foreign Au pairs who barely speak English' vs the traditional British nanny. The UK isn't the only country whose nannies can be highly trained. Having early childhood education, first aid and a number of years experience are bare minimum fir a descent nanny job in the North America.

Seeing how Nanny Maria seems to be teaching the kids a bit of Spanish, a bilingual French speaking nanny may be a nice option.

 

[Osipi]

With the presentation of the information of past nannies and their involvement with their royal families, its shown me one thing that is pretty clear to me. They're not just hiring a "babysitter" or a "child care specialist" or a "Mary Poppins" but in actuality, what they are doing is bringing another trusted family member into the home. One that will be there for the child for quite a bit of his/her lifetime day in and day out. Its not a decision to be made in haste and the fit has to be right not only between the nanny and the child but also between the nanny and the parents. They're going to trust their most beloved child to this person and finding the right fit may take some time.

As we've seen, the Cambridges used Nanny Webb at first. Why? Because of the trusting bond that William established with her over the years. The same with Tiggy Legge-Bourke whom Harry deemed close enough to him to want to introduce his then fiancee, Meghan, to her. In this respect, I think providing the information about previous nannies paints the clear picture of just what is involved with selecting the right nanny.

Clarification is a good thing and often adds depth and understanding to a discussion. They may hire a Norland nanny or they may opt for a "manny" but what really matters the most is how well whomever they do hire fits into the puzzle that is the growing Sussex family.

 

[Ista]

With the presentation of the information of past nannies and their involvement with their royal families, its shown me one thing that is pretty clear to me. They're not just hiring a "babysitter" or a "child care specialist" or a "Mary Poppins" but in actuality, what they are doing is bringing another trusted family member into the home. One that will be there for the child for quite a bit of his/her lifetime day in and day out. Its not a decision to be made in haste and the fit has to be right not only between the nanny and the child but also between the nanny and the parents. They're going to trust their most beloved child to this person and finding the right fit may take some time.

As we've seen, the Cambridges used Nanny Webb at first. Why? Because of the trusting bond that William established with her over the years. The same with Tiggy Legge-Bourke whom Harry deemed close enough to him to want to introduce his then fiancee, Meghan, to her. In this respect, I think providing the information about previous nannies paints the clear picture of just what is involved with selecting the right nanny.

Clarification is a good thing and often adds depth and understanding to a discussion. They may hire a Norland nanny or they may opt for a "manny" but what really matters the most is how well whomever they do hire fits into the puzzle that is the growing Sussex family.

I agree. It's so much more complex than hiring another staff member, the connection is many times more intimate than any other position. The nanny is being entrusted with the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of the child, and the bonds are going to be very long-lasting. That's why I was wondering about the Sussexes process, and where they are looking. This is something they have to get right the first time.

 

[MARG]

^^^^^ I was looking at the security aspect with Norlands Nanny's or Manny's as a plus on top of all the usual Nanny requirements.

Whether the Cambridges have a Norland Nanny is irrelevant when it comes to what's best for Archie.

 

[Pranter]

They will do what is best for their household. Diana made waves too when she went to a new style of nanny not in keeping with previous ways.

Harry and William benefited from it.


LaRae

 

[Countessmeout]

^^^^^ I was looking at the security aspect with Norlands Nanny's or Manny's as a plus on top of all the usual Nanny requirements.

Whether the Cambridges have a Norland Nanny is irrelevant when it comes to what's best for Archie.

Security is not as much an issue. The royal children will have protection officers on them. Being able to 'defensive drive a pram' is likely on low end of priorities.

 

[MARG]

Wasn't it Catherine who liked to dress down and walk in Kensington Park (which is utterly beautiful and has more than a few strollers). Since Harry's crazies have declared him a race traitor and we've all read what they call Meghan, the lord only knows what the nutters think about the fruit of that union.

Princess Anne is living proof that there are nutters out there ready to put thoughts into action so, I would think every little edge counts and it is unnecessary to be so dismissive.

During Anne's attempted kidnapping, her Chauffeur and Protection Officer where shot and the PO's PPK jammed, a passing pedestrian (ex-boxer) punched the assailant in the back of the head and helped Anne away, meanwhile, another (unarmed) police officer happened upon the scene and was shot but not before he managed to call for help.

In those days even HM only had one protection officer when off duty so to speak.

Even crazies are better armed these days.

 

[Countessmeout]

I am sorry but if someone crazy enough to gun down a RPO came after Archie o highly doubt defensive pram driving will help.

Nanny defensive driving is more for those nannies without the luxury of security teams.

Not downplaying a danger a royal may face. Simply how effective Norland training is in protecting the child. If really that concerning a nanny can be given self defender classes easy enough

 

[Hallo girl]

I am sorry but if someone crazy enough to gun down a RPO came after Archie o highly doubt defensive pram driving will help.

Nanny defensive driving is more for those nannies without the luxury of security teams.

Not downplaying a danger a royal may face. Simply how effective Norland training is in protecting the child. If really that concerning a nanny can be given self defender classes easy enough

Regardless of Norland or any other nanny, I find the comment ' defensive pram driving' rather flippant. WE have experienced terror attacks in Britain as have many other countries. All the family including a nanny would be prepared by the security services in how to react in the event of various scenarios.

 

[muriel]

I agree. It's so much more complex than hiring another staff member, the connection is many times more intimate than any other position. The nanny is being entrusted with the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of the child, and the bonds are going to be very long-lasting. That's why I was wondering about the Sussexes process, and where they are looking. This is something they have to get right the first time.

You are right, getting the right nanny for your children can be a complex, involved process. This is especially so when you are dealing with care for babies, as they can be so vulnerable. Often, the situation is further complicated with the associated guilt of leaving the baby in the care of another person.

I don't believe we will know much about the childcare support that H&M put in place. I am perfectly fine with is, as it is indeed a private matter for them.

 

[Pranter]

Just finding a good babysitter can be a nightmare...it must be even worse trying to find a nanny!


LaRae

 

[jacqui24]

Heather Wong was spotted at Harry’s engagement for Diana Awards. So much for the reports that she left. I guess the moral of this is not to listen to every unverified report about their staff.

 

[Countessmeout]

Regardless of Norland or any other nanny, I find the comment ' defensive pram driving' rather flippant. WE have experienced terror attacks in Britain as have many other countries. All the family including a nanny would be prepared by the security services in how to react in the event of various scenarios.

I didn't coin the term defensive pram driving. It's been used to emphasize the skills of Norland nannies. That they are trained in defensive walking. Nothing flippant about commenting on a skill these nannies have.

It was put forward a top reason to select a Norland is because they are trained in this skill. Like it is a black belt in karate no other nanny woukd have or learn.

The reality is while the threat to the royal family is higher then a common family so is their security. The RPO and drivers take care of many of the concerns Norland are trained in. Any nanny, even a Norland, will still require further security training for safety if they took the job.

The main concern for any parent, Royal or not, will be choosing a nanny who fits with the family and they trust. Security is easily trained into anyone after.

If there is any staff who time is going to be taken on its a nanny.

 

[MARG]

It was me that mentioned the defensive pram training which I guess would be pretty useful for the safety and/or privacy of many a Norland Nanny's charge. They also have to pass "defensive or stunt driving" of the sort shown on TV that Meghan would need to do.

They are also trained in various martial/defensive arts. For the elite Nanny Agencies, such training is, unfortunately, necessary but also means that their nannies can command pretty good salaries. I don't believe they will be employing a glorified babysitter so, wherever he or she is trained, they are going to have the best training that suits the Sussexes.

Interestingly, they also have Agencies that train Butlers for the high-end market and they also are trained in martial arts. They are also trained how to iron the morning newspaper so it looks perfectly uncreased. Okay, there's a thought, perhaps they may hire a Butler instead of a Housekeeper.

 

[CTchic]

I was under the impression that Samantha Cohen was only temporary fir six months but I understand she is still working with the Sussexes. If they are so terrible to work for then why has she hung around?

 

[Rudolph]

I think the fact they’ve yet to find a private secretary is more telling.

For me that would be the first hire. A PS runs the whole operation. There’s been little information with regards to staffing.

 

[loonytick]

Samantha Cohen is their private secretary. If she hasn’t left, then they don’t need to replace her.

 

[Countessmeout]

It is possible due to the split of the households, Samantha was asked to stay on. They have a big transition right now, filling in new roles with their own office staff. Having a figure like Samantha stay on and help in the process makes sense.

Samantha leaving had nothing to do with not liking working for them. It was always intended she would leave, before she ever started working for them. She already agreed to prolong it. She was meant to leave six months after the wedding and remained on instead until after Archie was born.

Both Harry and Meghan will need a PS as well as other staff for their offices.

 

[MARG]

I remember reading that they were trying to persuade Samantha to stay on from Meghan's first engagement. She is obviously a woman of integrity and a dream to work with.

When Sir Christopher Geiht ran afoul of Charles and Andrew HM, not surprisingly, backed her son's and so he tendered his resignation. Samantha, as his deputy, resigned in solidarity but our wily Queen asked her to stay on working with Harry and Meghan to help Meghan get ready to become a member of the firm. She obliged and then the Sussexes were moving to Windsor and she stayed on, then Meghan was pregnant . . . . .

Perhaps Samantha is happy with the respect of HM and a totally new challenge working with the younger members, especially knowing that while Sir Christopher resigned, he was appointed head of the new Commonwealth department.

 

[Cocoasneeze]

I think the fact they’ve yet to find a private secretary is more telling.

For me that would be the first hire. A PS runs the whole operation. There’s been little information with regards to staffing.

We have no clue if they actually need a private secretary. Like you said, there's very little information with regards to staffing.

 

[Zaira]

We have no clue if they actually need a private secretary. Like you said, there's very little information with regards to staffing.

They certainly do need a PS. It is strange that we have not heard anything on that front, but I would guess we hear of a hire (or that someone has been in the role for a bit already) by the tour.

 

[Pranter]

Someone has said Samantha is their PS.


LaRae