What Would It Take To Become Kate Middleton's Nanny?

Kate Middleton has given birth to a baby boy. A little boy that will one day sit on the throne as our King. But before all that, there's the important business of hiring a nanny. But just what does it take to work for the royal family? We found out...

Behind the doors of a smart Grade II-listed town house in Bath, the future nannies of the rich, famous and powerful are busy learning their trade on plastic dolls.

Welcome to Norland College, the world's most elite school for nannies. Its client list is strictly private but it's well known that Norland has provided top class child care for A-list celebrities, such as members of the Rolling Stones and the Royal Family, since way back in 1892.

The selection process is rigorous and the three-year course at Norland costs £12,750 per year but, once qualified, nannies can have their pick of the most prestigious families the world over.

So, if the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are still firming up their childcare arrangements, could a nanny from Norland be what they're after?

Writer Chloé Aeberhardt met some of the current students and newly qualified nannies who might one day be looking after the third in line to the throne. Here's what they had to say about their hopes and dreams as well as the challenges of becoming a high profile nanny:

'My dream is to work for Will and Kate. Of course it would be very challenging, because they live such a different life to normal people, but I'd learn a lot.' Alice Curry, 19, first-year student.

'When you are a live-in nanny, it's tempting to sit in your room in the evening, but I think it's important to go out and socialise. You've got to learn to switch off from work. Since you're always in the company of children, you forget to behave as an adult.' Jessica Russell, 22, newly qualified nanny.

'From the age of five to 12, I had seven nannies. They were nice and I liked them, but they weren't that good - they played the same games with us over and over again. So I came to Norland to make sure I'd be better then they were. I'm not necessarily hoping for a celebrity family - more one that will make me feel like I'm part of it, not just a member of staff.'

Picture credit: Gratiane De Moustier