‘Controlling’ Meghan Markle ‘is auditioning nannies but is refusing to hand over care of Archie’
MEGHAN Markle is putting possible nannies through an "audition" process that is "humiliating" for them, a royal source has revealed.
The Duchess of Sussex, 37, is said to be struggling to choose a nanny - because she has "found it hard to give up control of Archie”.
The insider told Fabulous Digital that “it’s like an auditioning process”, and added it's been “humiliating for the poor nannies".
After Archie was born on May 6, Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland was on hand to help the Duke and Duchess of Sussex adjust to life as new parents in Frogmore Cottage, Windsor.
But Doria has since returned to LA, and Meghan is said to be keen to hire help ahead of the baby's christening this weekend.
The source added: "With the christening of Archie imminent on Saturday in the Queen’s Chapel in Windsor, it seems Meghan is very reluctant to relinquish any control to a professional pair of nannying hands.
Choosing the right childcare is tricky for any parent, and leaving such a young baby in the care of a nanny would be understandably stressful.
Buckingham Palace has been contacted but declined to comment.
The Sun last week revealed how Archie is on to his third nanny in six weeks after two stopped working for Prince Harry and Meghan.
The high turnover in such a short time raises further questions about staff leaving the couple’s employment.
But sympathetic royal sources have explained the choice of a nanny is a highly personal decision and the couple might just want to get it right.
The source said: “Often there are different needs at different stages of the baby’s life. The first nanny was a night nurse.
“But Harry and Meghan do not want to rush this or take any risks getting this decision right. It’s deeply personal and can depend on the needs of the baby and parents.”
MEGHAN MARKLE'S STAFF DEPARTURES
Last November Meghan’s PA Melissa Touabti quit after six months amid reports she’d been reduced to tears.
Weeks later the couple’s private secretary Samantha Cohen resigned after 17 years with the royals.
In January Meghan’s female bodyguard departed after six months.
Assistant private secretaries Amy Pickerall and Heather Wong have left in recent weeks.
US magazine Harper’s Bazaar reported last month that a new “British-born female nanny” had been hired but is “not permanently based at Frogmore Cottage or working weekends”.
The magazine added the nanny is expected to provide “additional support” on the Sussexes’ autumn tour of southern Africa because they are planning to take Archie.
They were reported to have had to sign “extensive” non-disclosure agreements ahead of their employment.
Royal historian Victoria Howard told the Express that Meghan won’t follow Kate Middleton in hiring a Norland nanny to raise her child.
She said: “I think they will look for someone who is obviously experienced, but that has more of a rounded attitude towards child rearing.
“I think they will look for things that will make them aware of mental health perhaps, encouraging creativity and for them to be themselves.
“So I definitely think it’s going to be non-traditional, maybe someone that has been recommended by some of their Hollywood friends perhaps.”
Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo became William and Kate’s nanny in 2014 when Prince George was eight months old.
Who is Maria Borrallo? Royal nanny to Kate Middleton’s three children
Bowler hat-wearing Maria joined the royal household in 2014 when Prince George was just eight months old.
Maria trained at the prestigious Norland College, making her one of the most sought-after nannies in the country.
She can often be seen taking the kids to the Round Pond in Kensington Palace, just a stone’s throw from her live-in quarters with the family.
The Norland College is located in Bath and is known around the world for the exceptional standards of training they offer to prospective carers.
The school is more than 125 years old and teaches students to sew, cook and change nappies, as well as offering classes in self-defence and first-aid.
The famous school also teaches the real-life Mary Poppins how to escape terrorists and kidnappers alongside traditional childcare.
Graduates of the three-year course often wear their smart brown uniform.
In his early months George was cared for by Wills and Harry’s former nanny Jessie Webb.
Maria now also cares for Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Tiggy Pettifer looked after Wills and Harry from 1993-99. The brothers are still in touch and Harry introduced her to Meghan last year.
Meghan attended Trooping the Colour last month, which marked her first public event since going on maternity leave.
Baby Archie wasn’t pictured at the event, and it is unknown who was looking after him during the celebrations for the Queen’s official birthday.
More on the royal family
We previously revealed how Meghan’s sister Samantha said she will "butt heads" with her nannies.
And here are the eight ways Meghan’s baby boy will have a different life to cousins George, Charlotte and Louis.