When then-Prince Charles’ affair with Camilla became public, it drew significant attention to the royal family and caused anger among his sons, Prince Harry and Prince William. Initially, the brothers’ relationship with Camilla was strained, but over time, she earned their respect, particularly from William.
However, recent reports indicate that William made a decision that may not please Queen Camilla. After taking over the Duchy of Cornwall, he reportedly removed Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, from the payroll.
Over the past 20 years, Elliot, who is an interior designer, has been paid hundreds of thousands of pounds. She was first hired by King Charles as chief designer of his estates back in 2005, following his marriage to Camilla.
According to the latest Duchy accounts, Elliot hasn’t received a payment for her services for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The statement from 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 ($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].”
Despite this decision regarding the Duchy of Cornwall, Elliot has not been fully removed from royal projects. In fact, she was hired to oversee improvements to the visitor centre and restaurant at Balmoral before it opens for the public this summer.
As per 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 ran a project to convert a “run-down barn building” into an elegant guesthouse on the grounds of Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, becoming Charles’ chief interior designer.
Lots of different people have had different responses to William’s move to fire Elliot. Someone said, “Charles put her on the payroll; she wouldn’t have been an interior designer without her sister. I’m glad Prince William took her off the payroll.” “He should have, didn’t know she worked there,” said someone else. “Why was she even on it? ” What does she really do?”
Some people also liked Elliot’s work as an interior designer. “As an interior designer, Camilla’s sister worked on a project that is now finished.” Annabelle is 75 years old and is leaving the circus.
Elliot has been married to Simon Elliot since 1972. They have three children together, one of whom is Ben Elliot, a businessman and Conservative Party fundraiser who was Co-Chairman of the Party from July 2019 to September 2022.
She is very close with Queen Camilla.