Kate Middleton and Prince William Seek Nanny for Australia and New Zealand Trip

Kate Middleton and Prince William are reportedly searching for a new nanny to take on their tour of New Zealand and Australia in April.

Their current nanny, Jessie Webb – who looked after Prince William when he was a child – has reached the end of her contract.

According to sources close to the couple, Webb, 71, came out of retirement to look after Prince George on the condition that she would work only for three months.

But it is likely she will make the trip 'down under' with an assistant if by-then nine-month-old Prince George joins his parents.

"It took a lot of persuading to get Jessie to take the job in the first place, but she loves William and wanted to help out," a source told the Daily Mail.

"I can't imagine that she will want to be travelling around the world at her age. If she does, she will need an assistant."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will have a hectic schedule, criss-crossing the two countries in less than a month.

"They need round-the-clock help for George if he joins them," said a source.

"Kate might also want to think about taking a dresser or a lady's maid. It sounds grand, but it's actually very practical. The Queen wouldn't dream of travelling overseas without a lady-in-waiting."

It had been rumoured that Carole Middleton could join the tour to help look after George. However, aides insist that will not be the case.

Carole Middleton has taken a hands-on role in looking after baby George since the couple moved into the Middleton family home in Berkshire shortly after his birth in July.

When the couple moved to Kensington Palace in September, they persuaded Webb to join their household. Carole Middleton still visits "often without warning" during the week.

Last December, Kensington Palace confirmed that William and Kate had been invited by the Australian and New Zealand governments to tour the countries. At the time, royal aides said that it was "anticipated" that Prince George would accompany them.

A spokesman for the royal couple declined to comment.