Curiosity about the royal household runs deep in Ireland, especially when it comes to the day‑to‑day lives of Prince William and the future king of the United Kingdom and Catherine, Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton). One question that pops up on Irish forums, at Dublin cafés, and on RTÉ’s morning shows is: how many nannies do they actually employ? While the answer isn’t a simple number, we can break down the staffing pattern, trace its evolution, and give Irish readers a clear picture of why it matters for us.
Understanding the Role of a Royal Nanny
A Nanny is a professional caregiver who looks after children’s daily routines, from breakfast to bedtime, while also coordinating with teachers, doctors, and extracurricular coaches. In the Royal Household, a nanny isn’t just a babysitter; she is part of an intricate staff hierarchy that includes governesses, private chefs, and security teams. The role demands discretion, knowledge of royal protocol, and often a background in elite British schools such as Eton or St. Paul’s.
Historical Snapshot: How the Royal Household’s Child‑Care Has Changed
Back in the early 2000s, the royal family relied mainly on a single full‑time nanny for the two young princes, George and Louis. By the time the twins turned five, a second nanny was added to cover weekends and during royal tours. Fast forward to 2025, and the family appears to have a small team of specialised caregivers - two full‑time nannies, one part‑time governess, and a child‑development consultant hired through a British agency.
Year | Number of Nannies | Primary Residence | Notable Event (Ireland Connection) |
---|---|---|---|
2003 | 1 | Kensington Palace | First royal visit to Dublin after marriage |
2011 | 1 | Kensington Palace | Prince George’s christening broadcast on RTÉ |
2018 | 2 | Kensington Palace | Royal couple’s attendance at St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin |
2025 | 2 (full‑time) + 1 (part‑time governess) | Kensington Palace & Frogmore House | Live‑streamed interview with Irish journalist on the Royal Family’s official website |
Why Irish Readers Care About Royal Nannies
Ireland has a long history of employing professional caregivers - think of the traditional “cairde” who looked after children in rural farmhouses. Today, Irish families often turn to agencies like Irish Nanny Services Dublin or Cork Childcare Agency for vetted staff. When the British royals adjust their nanny roster, Irish media headlines such as “Royal Nannies Hire Irish‑trained Caregivers?” generate buzz because it signals cross‑border professional standards and potential job opportunities for Irish caregivers.

Irish Nanny Agencies and the Royal Connection
Several Irish agencies have built portfolios that include placements with high‑profile families in the UK and Europe. For example, Irish Nanny Services Dublin boasts a track record of supplying staff to diplomatic households in London. While no official contract exists between the Royal Household and an Irish firm, the cultural overlap - English‑speaking, Catholic background, and familiarity with UK schooling - makes Irish‑trained nannies a logical pool. If a future royal baby were to be cared for during an Irish visit, the likelihood of an Irish agency providing a temporary caregiver rises sharply.
Practical Takeaways for Irish Parents and Aspiring Nannies
- Training Matters: Royal nannies often hold certifications from institutions like the Royal College of Nursing or specialized early‑years degrees. Irish caregivers can pursue similar credentials through the Irish Institute of Early Childhood Education.
- Discretion Is Key: Working for a high‑profile family demands strict confidentiality. Irish agencies now offer modules on privacy law and media handling, mirroring royal staff training.
- Network Locally: Attend Irish childcare conferences in Galway or Cork - you’ll meet recruiters who have placed candidates with royal‑linked families.
- Understand Protocol: The royal household follows a hierarchy (e.g., Head of Household, Private Secretary, Chief of Staff). Knowing the chain of command helps Irish nannies integrate smoothly during occasional royal visits to Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens or Belfast’s Stormont Estate.

How the Royal Nanny Count Impacts Irish Media Coverage
Each time a new nanny is announced, Irish newspapers like The Irish Times and The Independent run feature articles that blend royal gossip with local angles - “Royal Nanny Joins English‑Irish Heritage Agency” or “Catherine’s Nanny Spots Dublin’s Best Playgrounds”. These pieces boost tourism, as Irish families eager to follow royal trends visit the same parks or cafes mentioned in royal itineraries. Moreover, the royal family’s occasional stays at Irish castles (e.g., a historic weekend at Dublin’s Powerscourt) often involve the nannies coordinating local childcare services, spotlighting the Irish hospitality industry.
Future Outlook: Could the Royal Household Increase Their Nanny Team?
With Prince George now attending school in London and the duo expecting more children, the Royal Household may expand its childcare division. If a fourth child arrives, a third full‑time nanny could be added, potentially sourced from the Irish market given the growing reputation of Irish caregivers. This scenario would create a fresh news cycle in Ireland, feeding into local talk shows, social media discussions, and even fashion commentary (because every royal outing - including a nanny‑accompanied stroll in an Irish garden - influences evening‑dress trends).
Key Takeaways
- The current Royal Household employs two full‑time nannies and one part‑time governess.
- Irish media closely follows these staffing changes due to cultural ties and potential job opportunities.
- Irish nanny agencies are well‑positioned to support royal visits, offering trained, discreet caregivers.
- Parents in Ireland can learn from royal standards - emphasizing training, privacy, and protocol.
- Future expansions in the royal nanny team could further strengthen Anglo‑Irish childcare links.
How many full‑time nannies do William and Kate currently have?
As of 2025, they have two full‑time nannies and one part‑time governess who supports the children’s education and extracurricular schedule.
Do any of the royal nannies come from Ireland?
No official employment records confirm an Irish‑born nanny, but Irish‑trained caregivers are frequently considered for short‑term assignments during royal visits to Dublin or Belfast.
What qualifications do royal nannies usually hold?
Royal nannies typically have a degree in early childhood education, certifications from the Royal College of Nursing, and several years of experience with high‑profile families.
How can Irish parents find nannies with royal‑level training?
Enroll in courses offered by the Irish Institute of Early Childhood Education, seek agencies like Irish Nanny Services Dublin, and look for credentials such as Level 5 Early Years qualifications.
Will the number of royal nannies affect fashion trends in Ireland?
Yes - when a royal nanny is photographed at a Dublin event wearing a particular coat or evening‑dress accessory, Irish shoppers often seek similar items, influencing sales in Dublin boutiques and online Irish retailers.