Lorren Khumalo, the paediatric nurse and consultant who once served as nanny to Prince Archie, has provided a rare and intimate glimpse into her experiences working for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In a recent interview, she recounted the details of her initial encounter with the couple, shedding light on their surprisingly informal and warm demeanour during her hiring process.
A Candid Account from the Sussexes' Former Employee
Ms Khumalo, who cared for the young prince in the months following his birth, spoke openly about the day she visited Frogmore Cottage in Windsor for her interview. At the time, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were still residing in the UK, prior to their decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to the United States. Her recollections offer a fresh perspective on the private lives of the high-profile couple.
The First Meeting: An Unexpectedly Relaxed Atmosphere
In her conversation on The Breakfast Club with Zenzele Ndebele, Lorren described the careful thought she put into her attire for the meeting. "I thought to myself, 'I wonder how their nannies look, do they wear heels?'" she explained, referencing the formal uniforms associated with traditional royal nannies, such as those employed by Prince William. "So I [thought] I'll wear something dark and nice kitten heels but I'll look presentable for a royal so I need to do my best." She emphasised her decision to forgo makeup, stating, "I said if they take me, they take me as I am."
Her journey to Frogmore was not without incident, as she admitted to receiving a speeding ticket for driving "too fast" en route. Upon arrival, she underwent security checks but was taken aback by Prince Harry's casual appearance. "He was in his jeans, in a T-shirt, walking barefoot because it was hot," she recalled, noting her surprise at the lack of formal attire.
A Warm Welcome and Lasting Impressions
Ms Khumalo revealed her uncertainty about royal protocol, asking a protection officer, "'Do I curtsy, do I have to?'" The officer's response, "'You'll see, Prince Harry is amazing'," set the tone for the encounter. She described Harry's greeting as heartfelt: "When I got there, the way he opened his arms 'Hello Lorren!' and gave me a hug. [I thought] 'Wow, what a gentleman, what a gem', oh my goodness, I couldn't believe it."
Meeting Meghan Markle further reinforced her positive impression. "And when I walked in and saw Meghan I thought 'My God, what a beautiful woman'. I just felt so comfortable, it wasn't so formal as I expected it to be, it was just a normal home," she said, highlighting the couple's efforts to create a relaxed environment.
Insights into the Sussexes' Parenting Style
This is not the first time Lorren has spoken about her tenure with the Sussexes. She previously appeared in their Netflix docuseries, where she elaborated on their hands-on approach to parenting. "They were really hands-on parents, in the morning when he (Archie) woke up, first thing, mum and dad would come in, they would be with their baby, she would feed him, and then after that I'll take over and normally we would go for a morning walk," she explained.
Meghan Markle herself praised Lorren's caregiving methods, particularly her incorporation of cultural practices from Zimbabwe. "She (Lorren) said 'Is it OK if I like tie him on my back with a mud cloth like we do in Zimbabwe?' (I said) 'yes let's do that!' She just took care of Archie and she took care of us, she definitely took care of me," Meghan remarked, underscoring the mutual respect and affection within their working relationship.
Lorren Khumalo's account provides a nuanced view of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's private life, challenging preconceptions about royal formality and showcasing their commitment to a nurturing, inclusive family dynamic. Her stories resonate with themes of authenticity and warmth, offering the public a deeper understanding of the Sussexes beyond the headlines.
