Prince William has decided to not renew the contract of Queen Camilla's sister, Annabel Elliot, who served as an interior designer for the Duchy of Cornwall for nearly two decades. The move comes as William reviews the operations of the estate, which he inherited upon his father's accession to the throne.
Prince William, the new Duke of Cornwall, has made a significant change to the management of his royal estate by removing Queen Camilla's sister, Annabel Elliot, from the Duchy of Cornwall payroll. Elliot had served as an interior designer for the Duchy for almost two decades, earning a substantial salary for her work.
Sources close to the prince have stated that the decision is part of a broader review of the Duchy's operations and is not a reflection on Elliot's contributions. They noted that Elliot's extensive work in updating and decorating the Duchy's properties had been completed, and the current staff had gained sufficient knowledge from her.
Prince William's Payroll Shake-Up: Annabel Elliot Removed from Duchy of Cornwall after 18 Years
During her tenure, Elliot oversaw the refurbishment of various properties within the Duchy's portfolio, including rental holiday cottages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Isles of Scilly. She also played a key role in the renovation of a 20-bedroom pub in the King's Poundbury development in Dorset.
However, the latest Integrated Annual Report published by the Duchy of Cornwall reveals that Elliot has not received any payments or reimbursements for work performed between 2023 and 2024. The report states that all outstanding payments to Elliot were cleared by September 8, 2022, when King Charles III ascended to the throne.
Prince William's Payroll Shake-Up: Annabel Elliot Removed from Duchy of Cornwall after 18 Years
The move has drawn attention due to the close relationship between Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and her younger sister. The removal of Elliot from the Duchy's payroll raises questions about whether other changes are anticipated within the royal household.
It is worth noting that the Duchy previously stated that design work contracts were not open to bids from external contractors, suggesting that Elliot's departure may not have been due to cost-cutting measures.
Prince William's Payroll Shake-Up: Annabel Elliot Removed from Duchy of Cornwall after 18 Years
Prince William's decision to remove Elliot is another indication of his proactive approach to managing the affairs of the Duchy of Cornwall. It remains to be seen what other changes the prince may implement as he shapes the future of the estate, which generates significant revenue for the royal family.
Queen Camilla and Annabel Elliot have maintained a close sibling bond over the years. Despite the recent developments, it is unclear whether their relationship will be affected by Elliot's departure from the Duchy of Cornwall.
The removal of Elliot comes at a time when Prince William is reportedly focused on promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness within his royal responsibilities. Whether this played a role in his decision is a matter of speculation.
As the Duchy of Cornwall undergoes a transition under Prince William's leadership, it is likely that further changes will be announced in the coming months. The estate's future direction and the role of the royal family within it will be closely watched by both the public and the media.
