The royal family has been making headlines often lately, with news of illnesses and internal disputes drawing considerable attention.
Recently, another development has thrust the royal family into the spotlight: Prince William’s decision to remove Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabelle Elliott, from the payroll. Elliott, who has served as the interior designer for the estate since 2005 under King Charles’ direction, is no longer on the staff.
As Prince William begins to manage the estate in his own way, several changes are being implemented. The removal of 75-year-old Annabelle Elliott is one of the most notable. Records indicate that she was not paid in 2023 or 2024, marking the end of her two decades of service.
According to a statement: “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].”
The Duchy, which manages both private and some official activities for the Duke of Cornwall and his family, was established in 1337 and operates under specific charters.
Prince William, the current Duke of Cornwall, oversees the management of the estate but does not have access to its capital. He also pays income tax on the profits generated by the estate each year.
With his recent decision to remove Annabelle Elliott from the payroll, public reaction has been mixed. Some people are pleased with the decision, while others were surprised to learn that she was on the payroll in the first place.