Prince William Drops Queen Camilla’s Sister from Royal Payroll

In a move that has surprised many royal watchers, Prince William has reportedly removed Annabel Elliot, Queen Camilla’s sister, from the Duchy of Cornwall‘s payroll. Annabel, an accomplished interior designer, had been involved with the estate since 2005. She worked under the direction of King Charles III on various royal properties. This decision marks a significant shift in the management of the estate as William begins to put his stamp on its operations.

End of an Era for Annabel Elliot, Queen Camilla’s sister

Annabel Elliot’s departure signals the end of nearly two decades of her contributions to the estate. The latest Duchy accounts reveal that she was not compensated for her services in the 2023-2024 financial year, marking a clear departure from previous years. The move comes as William takes on more responsibilities and begins to mold the Duchy’s management according to his vision.

Insights from the Duchy’s Annual Report

The 2024 annual report from the Duchy offers some context for this decision. Specifically detailing the transition from Charles’s to William’s management. It states, “During the period to 8th September 2022, the Duchy paid Queen Camilla’s sister, Mrs. Annabel Elliot, the 24th Duke of Cornwall’s sister-in-law, in the normal course of business.” It also discloses payments of £19,625 ($25,091.25) for fees and commissions and £12,316 ($15,746.44) for furniture and furnishings. As of March 31, 2024, no further payments were due to Mrs. Elliot, marking a definitive end to her professional engagement with the Duchy.

The Duchy of Cornwall: A Historic and Modern Estate

The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate established in 1337 to provide income for the Duke of Cornwall. It has been managed with a focus on sustainability and community benefits, aiming to preserve it for future generations. Prince William, the current Duke, continues this tradition, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and sustainable tourism that supports local economies. The estate offers luxury holiday cottages featuring Annabel’s designs, which blend antique and modern styles with recycled materials.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

William’s decision to remove Annabel from the payroll has sparked mixed reactions online. Some netizens supported the move, suggesting it was time for change. One user commented, “Charles put her on the payroll; she wouldn’t have been an interior designer if it wasn’t for her sister, and I’m glad Prince William took her off the payroll.” Others expressed surprise at Annabel’s role. There were examples of comments like, “Didn’t know she was on the payroll,” and “Why was she even on it? What does she do exactly?”

Annabel Elliot’s Continued Involvement in Royal Projects

Despite her removal from the Duchy’s payroll, Annabel remains active in royal projects, including recent renovations at Balmoral. However, her company, Annabel Elliot Limited, has faced financial challenges, with a noted decline in assets over recent years. Based in Dorset, her country house was reportedly where Charles and Camilla held secret meetings while Charles was still married to Princess Diana.

Camilla’s Controversial Role in the Royal Family

Queen Camilla’s relationship with the royal family continues to be a topic of debate. In March 2024, reports surfaced that Prince Harry distrusts the growing bond between William and Camilla. Royal expert Tom Quinn noted that Harry sees William’s relationship with Camilla as a betrayal, given their past view of her as a “monster.” Despite this, William has warmed to Queen Camilla, appreciating her ability to listen and offer support.

William’s Expanding Royal Duties

While tensions with Harry persist, William’s royal responsibilities continue to grow. In May, King Charles appointed him Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role previously held by Charles for 31 years. This appointment highlights William’s increasing involvement in royal duties, even as speculation about family dynamics persists.

The Broader Implications for the Royal Family

William’s decision to remove Annabel from the Duchy payroll and his new military role again reminds us of his growing influence within the royal family. These actions add a fresh twist to the ongoing drama surrounding the royal family. Tensions between William and Harry add complexity to the narrative. As William continues to shape his role, the public remains intrigued by the evolving dynamics within the monarchy.