In the heart of Buckingham Palace, where echoes of history resonate through every chamber, a storm brews on the horizon. King Charles, the stalwart monarch, finds himself ensnared in a web of emotions as his eldest son, Prince William, makes a decisive move that could strain family ties.
Prince William has reportedly removed Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, from the royal payroll after nearly two decades of service. Annabel, an esteemed interior designer, had been employed by the then-Prince of Wales to oversee the design and upkeep of the Duchy of Cornwall’s holiday cottages since Charles’ marriage to Camilla in 2005. Her work, which involved updating and decorating royal properties in Cornwall, Wales, and the Isles of Scilly, earned her significant compensation over the years, ranging from £82,000 to £199,000 annually, plus expenses for furnishings and retail stock.
However, for the first time in two decades, Annabel Elliot was not paid for her services during 2023-2024. Sources close to the royal family suggest that Prince William’s decision to remove her from the payroll is not a reflection of her work, but rather a sign of his desire to streamline the monarchy as he prepares for his future role as king. Staff under Elliot’s supervision are said to have learned enough from her expertise, marking a satisfactory conclusion to her role.
Despite the professional decision, the personal dynamics remain complex. Queen Camilla and Prince William have shared a relationship built on mutual respect over the years, despite their rocky beginnings following Camilla’s marriage to Charles. Yet, the removal of Camilla’s sister from a prominent position raises questions about whether tensions could be reignited within the family.
Camilla’s relationship with William and Prince Harry has historically been a sensitive subject. Royal commentator Emily Andrews has noted that Camilla, painted by Princess Diana as the “marriage wrecker,” faced a difficult relationship with the princes, particularly Harry. However, over time, both William and Harry came to accept Camilla as part of their father’s life, with William offering support when she was officially recognized as Queen by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Annabel Elliot’s work with the royal family may not be entirely over, as King Charles continues to value her expertise. She recently took on the design of a new visitor center and restaurant at Balmoral Castle, a project that opened to the public this summer. Furthermore, the bond between Camilla and her sister remains strong, as evidenced by their public appearance together at Wimbledon on July 10th.
As these changes unfold, it remains to be seen whether the professional decision to part ways with Annabel Elliot will have any lasting impact on the royal family’s personal relationships, particularly between Prince William and his stepmother, Queen Camilla.
