Let me tell you a story about Maud Shaw, the beloved nanny of the Kennedy family. You might not know her name, but her role in the Kennedy household was nothing short of extraordinary. Recently, her diary was sold for $3,327 by Boston's RR Auction house, offering a rare glimpse into the private lives of one of America's most iconic families. Maud was more than just a caregiver; she was a trusted confidante who watched over Caroline and John F. Kennedy Jr. from 1957 until her retirement in 1965.
Maud Shaw wasn’t just any nanny—she was a proper English nanny, straight out of a Mary Poppins story. She meticulously documented the Kennedy children's milestones, capturing moments that would otherwise have been lost to time. In her diary, she wrote about Caroline’s early milestones in 1959, noting how she "said Da-Da, laughed very loudly, and played pat-a-cake." Three years later, she recorded John F. Kennedy Jr.'s progress, mentioning how he was "repeating words after me—very well." These entries paint a vivid picture of their childhood and give us an intimate look at their early years.
A Glimpse into the Kennedy Family's Private Moments
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The diary spans 22 pages, concluding in 1962. But Maud’s story didn’t end there. She went on to write a book titled White House Nannie: My Years with Caroline and John Kennedy Jr., which delves into some of the most poignant moments of her time with the family. One of the most heart-wrenching entries recounts how she broke the news to six-year-old Caroline that her father, President John F. Kennedy, had been assassinated. It was a task entrusted to her by Jacqueline Kennedy's mother, Janet Auchincloss, recognizing Maud’s deep bond with the children.
Breaking the News: A Moment of Heartbreak
Maud fixing Caroline’s hair.
In her own words, Maud described the harrowing experience of delivering such devastating news. "I sat on the edge of Caroline's bed and felt tears well up in my eyes," she wrote. "I took her in my arms. 'I can't help crying, Caroline, because I have some very sad news.' Then I told her. It was a dreadful time for us both. Eventually, she fell asleep while I sat on the bed, still patting her." This moment underscores the profound trust and love that existed between Maud and the Kennedy children.
A Lasting Legacy of Love
Even after leaving the Kennedy household, Maud remained a cherished figure in the children's lives. The auction included postcards sent to her by Caroline and John Jr., proving that their bond endured long after her tenure as their nanny. In one touching message from 1967, Caroline wrote, "I miss you. We are in Mexico now. It is beautiful!" These small gestures speak volumes about the lasting impact Maud had on their lives.
Despite working for other families in England, Iran, and Egypt, Shaw always considered the Kennedys her favorite. "I have a deeper love for them than all the others, perhaps because we have seen so much together," she once said. "I nursed them from the cradle and came to love them as if they had been my own. Happily, they repaid me with their own love and affection." Her words reveal the depth of her devotion and the mutual respect that defined her relationship with the Kennedys.
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