While Meghan Markle likes to portray herself as a hands-on mom, she recently opened up about needing the help of a longtime nanny to care for Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4, her two children with Prince Harry.
But a new report reveals that the Montecito-based couple are in search of a new nanny, while explaining that they’ve actually relied on the services of “multiple nannies” at a time over the past six years and that they may have trouble retaining some of these employees’ services.
The ad for the job, revealed by Los Angeles-based royal reporter Kinsey Schofield, said that the new member of their household staff would be responsible for many day-to-day aspects of care for “two bright, kind-hearted children.”
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The new nanny would be expected to work 50 hours a week and assist with morning and evening routines and school pickups and drop-offs, according to the ad. The nanny also would do the children’s laundry, “tidy” up their spaces, coordinate their playdates and after-school activities and help with bed- and bath- time “as needed.” The nanny also would have the important responsibility of guiding the children “through new milestones such as swimming, biking reading, and writing.”
Schofield said a source in a California employment agency shared the ad, which was headlined: “Global search, Santa Barbara, CA.” Montecito is an unincorporated town in Santa Barbara County.
The source told Schofield that the candidates would go through a couple rounds of interviews with the employment agency before signing a non-disclosure agreement. While the agency is not supposed to initially tell candidates they are interviewing for a job with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the agency would inform them at some point so that they could steel themselves for meeting the globally famous couple. But if they get the face-time with Meghan and Harry, the candidates should still act surprised, Schofield also was told.
The ad offered a number if details about the job requirements that line up with what’s known about Meghan and Harry’s family life and their Montecito estate.
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For example, the ad said that the new nanny would replace a nanny who has worked for the couple for five years but is trying to transition into a new role as a “family assistant,” which would allow her more time at home, after becoming a mother herself. In an April interview with podcaster Jamie Kern Lima, Meghan revealed that she and Harry have “an amazing nanny who’s been with us for five years.” That nanny sometimes takes Archie and Lilibet to school, a process that has become more time-consuming and complicated as the children go to separate schools.
The ad also said that the prospective new member of the domestic staff would work in “a beautiful home, just minutes form the beach, surrounded by hiking trails and a close-knit community of friends and support.” The ad said the property itself includes “expansive outdoor space and a private playground.” The home, now valued at around $29 million, sits on seven sprawling acres, which include a sweeping lawn, a playpark and outdoor swimming pool.
Meanwhile, the household itself run by “a long-standing, dedicated team who help maintain a calm and nurturing home environment.” The prospective nanny needs to be “warm, professional, intuitive and experienced” as well as a team player who can navigate the needs of the family “with confidence and care.” The ad said that the right candidate should also have “a genuine passion for children” and possess “a nurturing disposition.”
“Comfort around dogs is a must, as the family has two,” the ad also said. Harry and Meghan are known to have two rescue dogs, a beagle named Mamma Mia, and a black lab named Pula, according to Marie Claire. Their dog Guy — who made numerous appearances in Meghan’s Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan” — died in January.
The ad shared by Schofield doesn’t say anything about salary or benefits, but the new nanny could enjoy the perk of living on the family’s estate, with a private bedroom, bathroom and sitting room and access to a staff kitchen. But if the nanny chooses to live off site, they must live within 20 minutes of the couple’s home.
Schofield doesn’t reveal the name of the agency fielding the applications — unfortunately for anyone who might want a shot at working for Meghan and Harry. But the ad lists some basic qualifications.
Frst of all, candidates have to be eligible to work in the United States. They also need to have a bachelor’s or AA degree in a field related to education or child development, or a minimum of five years of professional nanny experience. They should also be up-to-date on their CPR certifications, have a valid U.S. driver’s license and be registered with California’s TrustLine Registry, which screens for criminal convictions.