Prince William removes Queen Camilla’s sister from royal payroll after 19 years

Prince William has decided to remove Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, from the royal payroll after 19 years of service. Annabel, an interior designer, was hired by King Charles as the chief designer for his estates following his marriage to Camilla in 2005. Her role involved updating and decorating the Duchy of Cornwall’s properties. The decision by Prince William, now managing the Duchy, reflects a shift in operations rather than any dissatisfaction with Annabel’s work. The recent Duchy accounts show no payments to her for the first time in nearly two decades.

Annabel had worked on the Duchy’s holiday cottages and other properties, receiving payments ranging from £19,625 to £82,272 annually. Additionally, she was reimbursed for expenses related to furnishings and stock purchases. Despite this change, sources emphasize that the decision does not reflect on her professional performance but is part of broader operational changes under William’s leadership.

Camilla and her sister Annabel share a close relationship, highlighted by Annabel’s support during key royal events, such as the recent coronation. Annabel has often spoken about her sister’s supportive role in King Charles’ life, emphasizing their strong bond. The decision to discontinue Annabel’s services aligns with William’s vision for the Duchy, which he inherited and has been managing with a focus on modernizing its operations.

Overall, while this marks the end of a long professional relationship with the Duchy, it underscores Prince William’s evolving approach to managing royal estates and streamlining their operations. This decision highlights the changing dynamics within the royal family and their estate management strategies.