When then-Prince Charles’ affair with Camilla became public, it drew significant attention to the royal family, particularly from his sons, Prince Harry and Prince William. Initially, their relationship with Camilla was strained, but over time, she gained their respect, especially William's.
Recently, it was reported that Prince William made a decision that might not please Queen Camilla. He removed Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, from the Duchy of Cornwall's payroll after taking over its management.
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Elliot, an interior designer, had been paid hundreds of thousands of pounds over the past 20 years. King Charles first hired her as the chief designer of his estates in 2005, after his marriage to Camilla. According to the latest Duchy accounts, Elliot has not 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.”
Despite this change, Elliot has not been entirely excluded from royal projects. She was recently hired to oversee improvements to the visitor center and restaurant at Balmoral before it opens to the public this summer. The Palace has indicated that Elliot’s services will be sought for “appropriate opportunities.”
Elliot has run her company, Annabel Elliot Interior Design and Antiques, in Dorset for over 30 years and was recognized as the fifth most influential female interior designer in the UK in 2014. In 2012, she led a project to convert a dilapidated barn into a guesthouse on the grounds of Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, becoming Charles’ chief interior designer.
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Public reactions to William’s decision to remove Elliot from the payroll have been mixed. Some expressed support, stating, “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.” Another added, “Why was she even on it? What does she do exactly?” Others praised Elliot's work, with one commenter noting, “Camilla’s sister, an interior designer, worked on a contract, the contract is now completed. Annabel is 75 and is retiring.”
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Elliot has been married to her husband, Simon Elliot, since 1972, and they have 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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