In a surprising turn of events, Prince William has chosen not to rehire Annabelle Elliot, the sister of Queen Camilla, for her role as an interior designer on the Duchy of Cornwall payroll.
This decision marks a significant shift in the management of the royal estate, which has been a source of income for the heir to the throne for over 700 years.
The Duchy of Cornwall, established to provide financial support for the Duke of Cornwall, recently released its annual report for 2023-2024.
Within its pages, it was revealed that Queen Camilla’s sister would not be returning for the upcoming year.
Sources close to the situation emphasized that this decision was not a reflection of Annabelle’s work but rather a sign that her contributions were deemed complete.
Annabelle Elliot, who is 75 years old, was appointed as the chief designer for King Charles‘s estates shortly after his marriage to Camilla in 2005.
Over the years, she has reportedly earned several hundred thousand dollars for her design services.
The annual report detailed payments made to her, including fees and commissions, as well as reimbursements for furniture and decor for various properties under the Duchy’s management.
Throughout her tenure, Annabelle worked on a variety of luxury rental cottages located in Cornwall, Wales, and the Isles of Scilly.
Her role involved not just designing these spaces but also overseeing the purchase of furnishings and decorations, ensuring they met the high standards expected of royal properties.
Interestingly, it appears that Annabelle did not face any competition for her position.
The Duchy of Cornwall had previously stated that its design contracts were not subject to bidding, making her appointment somewhat unique in the context of royal employment.
However, as Prince William steps into his role as the new Duke of Cornwall, he seems to be bringing a fresh perspective to the estate’s management.
Details about Annabelle’s design firm are scarce, but her website touts her as an internationally recognized interior designer and antiques dealer.
Despite the professional separation, the bond between Queen Camilla and her sister remains strong.
Just recently, the pair continued their cherished tradition of attending Wimbledon together.
In a memorable moment during Camilla’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in May 2023, Annabelle played a special role as an attendant.
The ceremony also saw the inclusion of younger family members, with Camilla selecting her grandson, Arthur Elliot, to serve as one of her Pages of Honour.
This family affair highlighted the close-knit nature of their relationships.
The latest report from the Duchy of Cornwall is particularly significant as it encapsulates Prince William’s first full year overseeing the estate.
In this period, he reported an impressive income of $30 million, which supports his family’s official, charitable, and personal expenses.
The Duchy itself spans an impressive 130,000 acres across 23 counties in England and Wales, consisting of farmland, properties, and commercial ventures, all valued at over $1 billion.
It’s worth noting that while Prince William pays income tax on the entirety of his Duchy earnings, he has opted not to disclose the specifics of his tax bill, a departure from his father’s previous practices.
As the royal family continues to evolve, this decision regarding Annabelle Elliot signifies a new chapter for the Duchy of Cornwall.
Prince William’s approach may reflect a desire for modernization within the royal estate, setting the stage for future changes in how the monarchy operates.
