Kate breaks tradition by hiring a foreign nanny

THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have broken with Royal tradition by hiring a young nanny for their tour to New Zealand and Australia.

William, Kate and baby George. Picture: AFP

THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have broken with Royal tradition by hiring a young nanny for their tour to New Zealand and Australia.

The Royal Family usually prefer matronly British nannies, mature in age, but Kate and William are believed to have picked a European woman in her early 20s to help look after Prince George. She will be based at Kensington Palace and is expected to travel with the family Down Under in April.

Prince William’s former nanny, Jessie Webb, has been helping raise their seven-month-old, but now 71 she is said to be reluctant to travel for the best part of a month on their tour of the southern hemisphere.

‘Jessie has been an amazing help to the couple but she felt she was unable to carry out a very demanding tour to the other side of the world,’ I’m told.

‘The duke and duchess have been looking for a new nanny since January. They have now hired a woman who is about 22 and foreign.’ It is not known whether the couple appointed the nanny via an agency or if she was recommended by friends.

Although Mrs Webb came to the end of her term of employment with the couple at Christmas she has continued helping out while they have searched for a replacement.

William is especially fond of his childhood nanny and is hoping she will continue to help out on occasions and be a part of George’s life.

‘Jessie was from the old school of nannying and William and Kate have loved having her. She has George in a great routine, and he is a very happy little boy,’ a palace source said. ‘They both adore Jessie and will be keeping in close touch with her.’

The Duchess’s mother Carole has also promised to be on hand to help. A spokesman said: ‘We will be confirming these details in due course.’