Kate Middleton Hires Prince William Former Nanny for Baby George? 'Everyone Likes Her'
Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly employed the Duke's former nanny, Jessie Webb, to assist with their newborn son, George Alexander Louis.
The pair, who welcomed the birth of their baby on July 22, are believed to have approached Webb, 71, for the job because she cared for both William, 31, and his younger brother Prince Harry, more than 20 years ago. Webb, who attended Middleton and William's 2011 royal wedding, is said to be well known in royal circles.
"She'll be like a safe pair of hands. She knows the ropes and knows what happens," Ingrid Seward, author of the upcoming book A Century of Royal Children, said according to People magazine. "That's preferred rather than someone new to it all, someone who'd be terrified of it all."
William was reportedly drawn to Webb because he wants to recreate the same sense of security that he often felt as a child while in her care, for his own son. She would often shield the Duke of Cambridge and Harry from arguments between their parents, Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, when on duty at Kensington Palace.
Princess Diana reportedly went against Prince Charles' requests for an old-school royal appointee nanny by hiring Webb. She believed that the retired nanny would instill good values in her sons.
"Everyone likes her. She's discreet and of an age when she's not going to have her picture in the paper every five minutes," a royal courtier told the Sunday People.
Since the birth of baby Gorge, Middleton, 31, and William have resided at the Duchess' parents' Bucklebury estate where her mother Carole is currently assisting with the baby.
"They both accept the view that they won't be able to do it all. There is also a feeling that Kate might lay herself open to criticism if she is seen letting her mother have too much influence," A source told writer Sian James.
"William has very fond memories of Jessie and they've put the idea to her that she comes back. I think she's very flattered," the source added.