Prince William has reportedly removed Annabel Elliot, Queen Camilla’s sister, from the Duchy of Cornwall’s payroll, surprising netizens. According to The Telegraph on July 24, Annabel has been the estate’s interior designer since 2005, working under King Charles III’s direction on various royal properties.
A netizen’s comment on Prince William’s move to remove Annabel Elliot from the payroll, posted in July 2024 | Source: Facebook/peoplemag
The 75-year-old interior designer’s departure comes as William begins to shape the estate’s management in his way. The latest Duchy accounts show she wasn’t paid for her services in 2023-2024, marking the end of nearly two decades of work.
Queen Camilla and Annabel Elliot at the Chelsea Flower Show on May 21, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
The report repeated a statement from the Duchy’s 2024 annual report, which covered Charles’s last six months managing the estate and William’s first six months after inheriting it following Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
The statement read, “During the period to 8th September 2022 the Duchy paid Mrs Annabel Elliot, the 24th Duke of Cornwall’s sister-in-law, in the normal course of business and on an arm’s length basis £19,625 (or $25,091.25) for fees and commission and £12,316 ($15746.44) for the purchase of furniture, furnishings and retail stock for the Duchy of Cornwall Holiday accommodation, Duchy offices and Duchy Nursery. At 31st March 2024 there was £nil (2023: £nil) remaining payable to Mrs Elliot in respect of these [sic].”
The Duchy is a private estate that provides income, and funds the official and private activities of the Duke of Cornwall and his family. This place was established in 1337 by Edward III to support his son, Prince Edward, and is governed by specific charters and laws.
The estate is managed with a focus on sustainability and community benefits, aiming to preserve it for future generations. The current Duke of Cornwall, William, does not have access to the estate’s capital and pays income tax on the profits it generates each year.
Prince William visits James’ Place Newcastle in Newcastle upon Tyne, England on April 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Along with its historic significance, the Duchy offers luxury holiday cottages in period buildings across Cornwall, Wales, and the Isles of Scilly. Designed by Annabel, these interiors blend antique and modern styles, using recycled materials like glass bottles for light fixtures and old chests for coffee tables.
The estate emphasizes eco-friendliness, using green electricity and renewable energy heating systems. It also promotes sustainable tourism that supports local economies and communities.
William’s decision to remove Annabel from the Duchy’s payroll has drawn mixed reactions from netizens. One user commented, “Charles put her on the payroll she wouldn’t have been interior designer if it wasn’t for her sister and I’m glad Prince William took her off payroll [sic].”
Prince William talks to staff at the Milton Keynes Blue Light Hub in Buckinghamshire on October 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Not everyone was aware of Annabel’s role, with some expressing surprise. “So he should, didn’t know she was on the payroll,” one netizen said. Another questioned Annabel’s involvement, “Why was she even on it? What does she do exactly?”
Another chimed in, “Camilla’s sister, an interior designer, worked on a contract , the contract is now completed . Annabelle is 75 and is retiring [sic].” A fifth remarked, “Good. She is not his mother or aunt.”
Annabel Elliot at a memorial service for Rosemary Parker Bowles in the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks on March 25, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Another noted the generational contrast, quipping, “Makes sense. I’d think an 80 yr old sense of style and a 40 year olds would be severely different. I wouldn’t hire my grandma’s interior designer either. 🤣🤣 [sic]”
Annabel Elliot at a memorial service for Major Bruce Shand in St. Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, London on September 11, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, some saw William’s move as a sign of prudence. One user remarked, “Prince William is very wise…,” while another expressed skepticism about his intentions, “I think William has big head now showing his true colour , who else is he going to fire 🔥[sic].”
Prince William visits The Royal Society in London on May 16, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another downplayed Annabel’s significance in the royal family, saying, “She is now over retirement age and is obviously assisting her sister in other matters. Her work is done. No shock!, media trouble making yet again…..”
Annabel Elliot chats with Queen Camilla as she and King Charles III open a new visitor’s centre and cafe at the Duchy Nursery in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, on July 12, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Despite being removed from the Duchy’s payroll, Annabel remains active in royal projects, including recent renovations at Balmoral. However, her company, Annabel Elliot Limited, has reportedly faced financial challenges, with a noted decline in assets over recent years.
Annabel Elliot at a memorial service for her father, Major Bruce Shand, at St. Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, on September 11, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Annabel’s company is based at her country house in Stourpaine, Dorset. This place was where she and her late husband, Simon, reportedly allowed Charles and Camilla to “hold secret meetings” while Charles was still married to the late Princess Diana.
King Charles III and Princess Diana watch the Braemar Games in Scotland in 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Fast forward to recent developments, Camilla’s relationship with the royal family remains a topic of controversy. It was reported in March 2024 that Prince Harry distrusts the growing bond between William and the Queen.
Queen Camilla and Prince William speak at the 2024 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London on March 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Royal expert and author Tom Quinn said, “He [Harry] really distrusts that William actually gets on rather well now with Camilla – Harry will see this as a betrayal.”
Prince Harry and Prince William leave Westminster Abbey during Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral in London on September 19, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Tom also mentioned that Harry was shocked when William realized that Camilla, whom they once viewed as a “monster” when they were kids, is actually a “nice woman.” The royal expert noted about the Queen, “She is exceptionally good at listening with a sympathetic ear and William has definitely warmed to that.”
Queen Camilla at the final day of the Badminton Horse Trials 2024 at Badminton House on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Tom further explained that Harry views William’s improved relationship with Camilla as another instance of William failing to remain loyal to the family. “For Harry things have never moved on really since his mother died,” Tom added.
Princess Diana carries her son, Prince Harry, during their summer holiday at the Spanish Royal Palace of La Almudaina in Majorca, Spain, on August 8, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the brothers’ continued tensions, William’s royal responsibilities have continued to grow. Last May, Charles appointed him Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, marking a significant shift in his duties.
King Charles III and Prince William ahead of the Committal Service for the late Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The Palace disclosed the message, “In August 2023, following His Majesty’s Accession, the King was pleased to announce military appointments including that the Prince of Wales would become Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The role was previously held by His Majesty the King, as Prince of Wales, for 31 years.”
Prince William and King Charles III at the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Edinburgh, Scotland on July 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
According to reports, the official date for the role transfer was set for May 13 and took place at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop. This news came amid Harry’s trip to the U.K. that month.
Prince William during a visit to the Mercian Regiment in the South West, U.K. on November 23, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Creating further intrigue was the fact that, although William was stepping into the role for the first time, the position itself was not new, as it previously belonged to the Duke of Sussex.
Prince William and Prince Harry during the Committal Service for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Harry’s affiliation with the Armed Forces runs deep. Aside from previously holding the title, he worked in the Armed Forces for ten years, serving two Afghanistan duty tours with the British Army before ending his operational duties in 2015. In addition to Harry, other members of the royal family “have official relationships with many units of the Forces.”
Prince Harry gathered with other British troops for a Remembrance Sunday service at Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar, Afghanistan on November 9, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
The official website for the King and Queen of England has stated that the royal family pays soldiers, airmen, and sailors, who serve both at home and abroad, “regular visits.” They have long recognized and supported “the work of the Armed Services.”
Queen Camilla and King Charles III visiting members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards on peacekeeping duties in Banja Luka, Bosnia on March 1, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Drawing back to William’s new title bestowment, the timing of the news has caused speculation. Public conjecture has been swirling based on the fact that it is widely known that Harry and his father’s relationship has been tense in recent years.
King Charles III, Prince William and Prince Harry during the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial in London, England on November 11, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
“This is one of the most public rifts in the world. If it was handled in private without so much press speculation, it would have a better chance of being resolved,” asserted royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams while speaking about Harry and King Charles III.
King Charles III and Prince Harry at the “International Year of The Reef” 2018 meeting in London, England on February 14, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
William’s new role in the Army Air Corps and the removal of Annabel from the Duchy payroll highlight his growing responsibilities. These decisions, amid tensions with Harry, add a fresh twist to the royal family’s unfolding drama.
