My Six Tips for the Royal's Spanish "Supernanny"

As Kate and Wills' supernanny starts her first week on the job, I'm posting these tips for her in the likely knowledge that she already has things pretty much Shipshape and Bristol fashion round at Kensington Palace. After all, that's what the best nannies are for -- they organise not only the children, but the family into the bargain.

As Kate and Wills' supernanny starts her first week on the job, I'm posting these tips for her in the likely knowledge that she already has things pretty much Shipshape and Bristol fashion round at Kensington Palace. After all, that's what the best nannies are for -- they organise not only the children, but the family into the bargain.

1. Mind your manners. Kate and Wills' nanny will not only have to watch her own social skills and behaviour, but she will also be responsible for teaching the best behaviour to Prince George. Bringing a sense of the regular and ordinary to the young Prince's life, to encourage balance in his life whilst appreciating the legacy that he has been born into, will also be an important responsibility of the nanny.

2. Share baby's milestones. Just like all working parents, Kate and Wills don't want to miss George's tiniest learning experience to his biggest, but it's possible that their responsibilities will keep them away at those milestone moments. This nanny will need to find ways to share the day's highlights and make sure Mum and Dad feel like they're part of these moments. Savvy use of technology should mean that all of these "aaah" moments can be recorded -- or even transmitted live - for the parents to coo over when they're home.

3. Welcome support from your team. Senora nanny, you won't be alone but in fact you will be supported by a whole team of household staff. Domestic staff will assist in the day-to-day running of the nursery area and other members of the Royal Household will coordinate things like security, travel, publicity and event planning. There will even be footmen to help lug all the baby equipment.

4. Keep your feet on the ground and your lips sealed. Whilst the Spanish owners of Hello! may be personal friends, you know that is an absolute non-negotiable. Joining the Royal household can mean a loss of your own freedoms and privacy and your own private and personal life is up for grabs in terms of intense press interest. Adhering to confidentiality is expected towards all families, but not even a peep of the royal nanny's day could be shared with a friend! No asking other Nannies to pop over for a coffee anytime or to spontaneously return a playdate.

5. Devote your time. We know you've got this one covered, but for us mere mortals it might be tough. You will have to put Kate, Will and George first during your time at the palace. In the royal nanny's case, this professional is committing for at least 5 years but in general, professional childcarers should make long term commitments to their nanny roles to ensure consistency for the whole family and to give themselves time to settle in.

6. Become a token royal. It's the ultimate job in the Nanny world. You've "made it" if you work for a royal family. The best thing for any nanny to do (and any family when hiring) however is to work at establishing a strong yet relaxed relationship with the family -- including all the grandparents and great grandparents. Be comfortable sharing the highs and lows of the day. Kate and Wills' nanny is their employee but she will soon become part of the family, as many nannies in the UK do.

Finally, good luck -- you know you have the best nannying job in the world, so don't forget to enjoy it!

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