When then-Prince Charles’ affair with Camilla was made public, the world’s attention turned to the royal family. This revelation angered Charles’ children, Prince Harry and Prince William.
Initially, their relationship with Camilla was far from perfect. However, over time, she earned their respect, especially William’s.
Recently, it was revealed that William made a decision that might not sit well with Queen Camilla. Reports indicate he removed Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, from the payroll after he took over the Duchy of Cornwall.
For the past 20 years, Elliot, an interior designer, had earned hundreds of thousands of pounds. King Charles first hired her as chief designer of his estates in 2005, following his marriage to Camilla.
According to the latest Duchy accounts, Elliot hasn’t received payment for her services for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The Duchy’s 2024 annual report stated, “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 ($15,746.44) 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].”
Despite this decision regarding the Duchy of Cornwall, Elliot has not been fully removed from royal projects. She was hired to oversee improvements to the visitor center and restaurant at Balmoral before it opens to the public this summer.
According to the Palace, Elliot’s services would be required when there are “appropriate opportunities.”
Elliot has run her company, Annabel Elliot Interior Design and Antiques, in Dorset for more than 30 years, becoming the fifth most influential female interior designer in the UK in 2014.
In 2012, Elliot converted a “run-down barn building” into an elegant guesthouse on the grounds of Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, becoming Charles’ chief interior designer.
Public reactions to William’s decision to drop Elliot from the payroll have been mixed. “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 payroll [sic],” commented one person. Another added, “So he should, didn’t know she was on the payroll.” A third wrote, “Why was she even on it? What does she do exactly?”
There were also those who praised Elliot’s work. “Camilla’s sister, an interior designer, worked on a contract, the contract is now completed. Annabelle is 75 and is retiring [sic],” commented another person.
Elliot has been married to Simon Elliot since 1972, and they share three children, including Ben Elliot, a businessman and fundraiser for the Conservative Party who served as Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party from July 2019 to September 2022.
She and Queen Camilla are extremely close.
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