In the heart of Buckingham Palace, where echoes of history reverberate through every chamber, a storm is brewing. King Charles, the steadfast monarch, finds himself entangled in a web of emotions as his eldest son, Prince William, has made a dramatic move: removing Queen Camilla’s sister from the royal payroll. Annabel Elliot, who had been on the royal payroll for almost two decades, has seen her role come to an end. This decision comes after she had been paid hundreds of thousands of pounds for her work.
Despite a rocky start, Prince William and his stepmother, Camilla, have shown mutual respect over the years. However, William’s decision to cut ties with Camilla’s sister might reignite old tensions. The relationship between Camilla and William has had its ups and downs, and their story is one of evolving dynamics.
Financial details have recently shed light on the situation. Annabel Elliot had been receiving substantial payments for her role as the chief designer for the Duchy of Cornwall’s properties. Over the years, she was paid between £19,000 and £82,000 annually, plus expenses for furniture and furnishings. However, for the first time in nearly two decades, Elliot did not receive payment for her services during the 2023-2024 period.
With Prince William now managing the Duchy following the Queen’s passing, he has decided not to continue employing Elliot. Sources suggest that this decision is not a reflection on her work but rather a step in streamlining the monarchy's operations. The decision to end her contract is seen as a move towards modernizing and optimizing the royal estate's management.
Despite initial reluctance, Prince William and Prince Harry eventually accepted Camilla as part of their father’s life. Camilla’s relationship with the princes was challenging, given her past with their mother, Diana. However, Camilla has been a stabilizing force for King Charles. Prince William and Harry, though initially wary, have supported her role as Queen.
Recently, Camilla and Annabel Elliot appeared together at the prestigious Wimbledon tournament on July 10th, showcasing their enduring professional relationship. King Charles III continues to value Elliot’s expertise, having recently commissioned her to design a new visitors' center and restaurant at Bulmer Castle, a project that was publicly unveiled this summer. Despite the changes, the professional bond between Elliot and the royal family remains significant.
