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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are set to be thoroughly modern parents when their first baby arrives in July.
But like every new royal family before them, the Cambridge parents are going to get some household help to keep an eye on the baby.
They have already advertised for a ‘housekeeper’ helper, whose roles would include watching the third-in-line to the throne, walking the dog, polishing the silverware and even picking out Prince William’s clothes.
It’s an all-encompassing job that would have been split between a number of employees when the Queen - even Prince Charles â€" was a child.
The move highlights how dramatically the role of Royal nanny has changed through the generations.
Helping hand: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have advertised for a housekeeper rather than a formal nanny, which suggests they are going to be more hands-on with their child than previous generations
In safe hands: Prince William in 1983 with his head nanny, Barbara Barnes but Diana, pictured with a three-year-old William and Harry, 18 months, was determined to play the major role in bringing up her sons
Brefoot in the park: Toddler Prince William taken for a walk by beloved nanny Olga Powell in July 1983, who later took over as 'head nanny' from Barbara Barnes
And it implies that the new parents wish to be more hands-on with their baby than past royal parents have been, employing part-time help for the care of their child care rather than a full-time nanny. But the duties of royal life mean some kind of hands-on help is inevitable - even if it comes from the Mountbatten-Windsor or Middleton family themselves.
Rosemary Albone, a Norland-educated nanny and adviser to Care.com, told MailOnline the role of baby care-giver has changed from Elizabeth to Charles, and from William to his own son or daughter.
She said: ‘With news that the royal couple have recently reported a job advert showing they are looking for a housekeeper, perhaps they are moving with the times and going for a modern approach to childcare.
‘With roles including walking the dog, polishing silverware, driving the car and watching the baby, the new all-encompassing housekeeper is a million miles away from the type of care that previous royalty have received.’
Ms Albone explains that the role of the royal nanny has dramatically changed in parallel with the evolution of the royal family themselves, modernising their opinions about the needs of their children and how they view themselves and their influence as parents.
She continued: ‘As a child, the Queen’s nanny, Clara Knight (affectionately known as Allah) would have been staffed by a team of nursemaids, under-nurses and chambermaids, with the royal nanny dedicating her time to being with the children and overseeing their strict daily routine.
‘Later Marion Crawford joined the royal household as Governess, a role that incorporated private tutoring, some of the duties of a nanny and as a companion.
‘In a modern twist on the nanny role, Marion was in training to be a child psychologist when she accepted the post.
‘At just nine months old, Elizabeth’s parents went on a 6 month tour of Australia and New Zealand leaving her behind with her nanny.
‘During this period the nanny would have been required to send regular updates of Elizabeth’s progress detailing significant events.
‘Via post one such letter accompanied by a photograph of a smiling Elizabeth dated 8 March 1927 stated: “If Mummy looks into my mouth with a little magnifying glass she will see my two teeth. Elizabeth; quite well and happy!â€
Close bond: Princess Elizabeth, as the Queen was then, pictured returning to London from Windsor in the arms of her nanny, Clara Knight, known as 'Allah', in 1928 when she was aged two
Ms Albone explains that in terms of the hierarchy of staff within royal households during the Queen’s childhood, nannies sat relatively near the top spot.
However the position could be a lonely one, as the role fell between the rest of the household staff and they were considered neither ‘upstairs’ nor ‘downstairs’.
An obsession with rigid routines - believed then to be essential for every child â€" means that most nannies were expected to put their lives on hold and dedicate themselves to a family that was not their own.
Practically a parent: Marion Crawford, left, joined the royal household as Governess, a role that incorporated private tutoring, some of the duties of a nanny and as a companion to the princesses Elizabeth, middle, and Margaret, right
Although the majority of royal nannies remained single, they were always addressed as ‘Mrs’ to acknowledge their position and to show respect.
When the Queen’s own children were born, Ms Albone explains that ‘broad shoulders and a tough skin were necessary attributes to cope with the amount of opinion shared about the quality of the job [nannies] were doing by many members of the royal family and the public’.
When looking after the young Princes Charles, Edward and Andrew, and Princess Anne, Ms Albone says: ‘The role of the royal nanny would have been a tricky one to get right in terms of relationships; needing to acknowledge that the children may well see their nanny as a central and significant figure in their lives and someone who they could rely on to always be there; yet also someone who would never outshine the central and influential role of the parent.
Old fashioned support system: Prince Charles, pictured in the pram, was very attached to his nanny, Mabel Anderson, above, whom he credits for giving him emotional support during long periods when his parents were away
‘Just like his mother, Prince Charles was supported by his nanny, Mabel Anderson, when his parents went on a six month tour when he was three years old. He credited his nanny for providing critical emotional support in his early childhood years and beyond.’
Speaking about the July arrival of William’s own son or daughter, Ms Albone said: ‘Much has been speculated about the appointment of a royal nanny and whether that role will be full or part-time, but what’s important is that whoever is charged to look after the little one will know the child and the parents’ preferences very well.
‘This blending of care is a skill that the nanny will need to be an expert at; making sure that their practice is guided by the Duke and Duchess’ ideas and wishes primarily.
‘As with previous royal nannies, the new royal baby’s carer will be expected to have qualifications and experience and be knowledgeable about current issues and how these can be interpreted to benefit the child and family.’
Firm hand: Prince Charles and Princess Anne with nurse Helen Lightbody in 1952, returning from a holiday at Balmoral. She was known as 'No nonsense Lightbody'
Ms Albone explains that it is likely that the successful candidate will be an individual with a well-rounded skillset and training from one of the UK’s premier nanny colleges, Norland or Chiltern.
'It is also likely that the child will have a healthy amount of contact with Kate’s parents, the Middletons.
She continued: ‘Continuing the trend that his parents started, the Duke and Duchess will take their child with them on longer trips and tours, with the child’s carer accompanying them.’
As Care.com’s UK Director, Sigrid Daniel said: ‘The role of a royal nanny has certainly evolved over the decades and is still evolving today.
‘With the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge expecting their housekeeper to fulfil a number of roles in the position, they are part of a growing number of parents whose child carers are more than just nannies, they are integral members of the family.
‘At Care.com we understand that and hence provide families with a means to address their unique lifecycle of care needs, from childcare to pet care to senior care and housekeeping.’
THE CHANGING FACE OF ROYAL CHILDCARE
Prince Charles with one of his nannies, Nurse Helen Lightbody
CHARLES 'BROUGHT UP' BY NANNIES
William with his beloved deputy nanny, Olga Powell
BUT WILLS AND HARRY GOT 'SOFTER TOUCH'
- Charles and Diana were much more involved on a daily basis wherever possible. The nanny would have needed to have been very flexible, encouraging a high level of parental involvement in everyday life, much of it spontaneous and unplanned. This is very different to previous royal nanny duties where unwavering routines ruled the day
- When it came to Charles having children of his own, a maternity nurse was appointed to support Princess Diana in the early weeks of Prince William’s life to help establish a routine
- Ms Albone said: ‘Prince Charles had such fond memories of his nanny Mabel that it was reported he requested she return to look after William - Diana however was not keen on this idea and instead Barbara Barnes was appointed
- Olga Powell was initially ‘deputy nanny’ to Barbara and then took over once Barbara moved on. She was described as loving but strict, and stayed with the royal family for 15 years supporting them through tumultuous events
- Her firm but caring presence supported Princes William and Harry throughout their formative years and she made sure that their feet remained firmly on the ground. Their relationship remained strong with William cancelling an appearance so that he was able to attend her funeral in October 2012
- Olga’s consistency and attachment to the Royal Princes would provide a firm foundation to rocky lives
- In a change to typical events, Prince William and nanny Barnes travelled with the royal couple to tour Australia and New Zealand when William was still less than a year old
- William and Harry’s nanny would have been expected to teach them both manners and appropriate behaviours including how to bow to the Queen and Queen Mother
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