In a surprising turn of events, Prince William has made a decision that has left many people talking.
Annabelle Elliot, sister to Queen Camilla, will no longer receive a salary from the Duchy of Cornwall.
For those who may not know, Annabelle has enjoyed a privileged position thanks to her sister and King Charles, but that chapter seems to be closing.
While she was officially appointed as a lady-in-waiting, this role is more about symbolism than financial gain.
However, for the past two decades, Annabelle also earned a substantial income as a designer for the Duchy.
During his time as Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, Charles enlisted Annabelle’s talents to spruce up various properties under the Duchy’s umbrella.
From renovating estates to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of buildings, Annabelle’s work has been extensive and lucrative, reportedly amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds over the years.
This information came to light following the release of financial reports from the Duchy, which William initially hesitated to disclose.
Under increasing pressure from the media, Kensington Palace confirmed that with William now at the helm of the Duchy, he decided to remove Annabelle from the payroll.
This news has sparked a flurry of public reactions, with opinions varying widely.
The Duchy’s annual reports revealed that Annabelle’s payments for her design services fluctuated between £19,625 and £82,272, with additional reimbursements for furniture and decor sometimes reaching as high as £90,285 annually.
Among her notable projects, Annabelle played a key role in the renovation of a 20-room pub in Dorset and contributed to transforming cottages at Dumfries House, a property saved by Charles for the nation back in 2007.
As of 2023, this marks the first year that Annabelle has not received any salary from the Duchy, a significant shift in her financial landscape.
Insiders suggest that William believes the staff at the Duchy have gained enough experience from working alongside Annabelle to function independently.
Yet, Queen Camilla wasn’t about to let her sister go without support.
In a twist of fate, Charles has hired Annabelle for design projects across his various estates, including Balmoral and Book Hall.
Recently, she was tasked with revamping a restaurant at Balmoral, set to welcome guests this summer.
Reports indicate that Annabelle has also been involved with the design of Sandringham Castle for the last year and a half.
Her design sensibilities are said to align closely with the King’s tastes, making her a valuable asset in the royal family’s ongoing projects.
But what does this mean for her relationship with the Duchy of Cornwall?
Annabelle Elliot isn’t just known for her ties to the royal family; she’s also been a steadfast supporter of her sister, Queen Camilla.
Despite the tumultuous history surrounding Camilla’s relationship with Charles, which drew considerable public scrutiny, Annabelle remained a loyal confidante.
Born in 1949, she is often seen as the quieter sister, preferring to stay out of the limelight while Camilla has embraced it.
Their bond has been tested through personal tragedies, including the loss of their brother Mark in 2014 and the recent passing of Annabelle’s husband, Simon, in 2023.
Annabelle has always been there for Camilla, often stepping in during challenging times, such as the morning of Camilla’s wedding when she humorously threatened to wear the wedding dress herself if her sister didn’t get out of bed.
The dynamics of the royal family have evolved over the years, especially after the public backlash against Camilla during her early relationship with Charles.
Annabelle has consistently stood by her sister, praising the strength of their partnership in various interviews.
She once described their relationship as complementary, stating they are like “yin and yang,” with their contrasting personalities creating a balanced union.
Despite her preference for privacy, Annabelle has carved out a successful career as an interior designer, running her own business for over three decades.
Interestingly, her close ties to the royal family have undoubtedly influenced her career trajectory, with reports indicating she earned around £1.5 million since Charles took the throne in 2005.
As Prince William’s decision reverberates through royal circles, many are left questioning the implications of this move.
Was it a fair decision, or merely a step toward reducing perceived favoritism within the royal ranks?
With Annabelle finding new opportunities through Charles, the future of her involvement with the Duchy remains uncertain.
This situation raises important questions about transparency and fairness within the royal family, especially as they navigate modern expectations.
As discussions unfold, opinions will vary on whether Annabelle’s connections justify her previous earnings and current projects.
What do you think about the royal family’s handling of these matters?
Let’s dive into the conversation!
