Camilla's Kin 'Truly' Cut? Prince William’s Firing of Queen's Sister Annabel Elliot From Duchy of Cornwall Called Into Question
Prince William axed his stepmother, Queen Camilla's sister, Annabel Elliot, from the Duchy of Cornwall after years of payouts, but there may be more to the story than initially reported.
An accomplished interior designer, Annabel was hired by then-Prince Charles following his 2005 marriage to Camilla. Her responsibilities included the design and refurbishment of various properties within the Duchy's expansive portfolio. Known for her expertise and refined aesthetic, Annabel played a crucial role in the upkeep and enhancement of the royal estates.
"He hasn't fired the Queen's sister," royal expert Emmy Griffiths shared with fellow royal commentator Emily Nash on a recent installment of "A Right Royal Podcast."
"Annabel Elliot is the Queen's sister, her younger sister and she is a well-established interior designer," she added. "She was working across properties owned by the Dutch of Cornwall but since Prince William has taken over as Duke of Cornwall, he has taken her off the payroll. So that's caused a few ripples in a few headlines… But I don't think there's anything untoward about it."
She continued: "She obviously has worked, depending on what the King and Queen have asked her to do, but Prince William's coming at it fresh, he might have different plans."
Despite her long-standing service and substantial contributions, sources indicate that the decision to remove Annabel is not a critique of her work. Instead, it reflects a new direction under Prince William's management of the Duchy. The vast portfolio, established in 1337, provides income for the heir to the throne, and its properties include vast lands, estates, and residential and commercial buildings.
"The understanding is that people working on the estate already understand now how things should look, they've learnt a great deal from her," Griffiths further observed. "She is actually still working for the King and Queen privately, on their private estates, up at Balmoral and Sandringham, so it's not really a firing but that little nugget did come out of the Duchy of Cornwall report that we discussed last time."
Prince William's approach to managing the Duchy appears to be marked by a focus on modernizing and streamlining operations. This includes reassessing roles and responsibilities within the organization. Reports suggest Annabel's removal is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the Duchy's operations align with William's vision for the future. It's worth noting that Annabel's contributions to the Duchy have been highly valued, and her departure signifies a transition rather than a reflection of her performance.
Her career as an interior designer extends beyond her work with the Duchy. She has been recognized for her distinctive style and ability to blend contemporary and traditional elements seamlessly. Her influence is evident in the tasteful renovations and designs seen in several royal properties. Despite her departure from the Duchy, Annabel's legacy within the royal family's estates will endure, sources close to the Queen shared.
Daily Express reported on the expert revelations.