The royal family has been in the news quite frequently recently. Between sickness and arguments taking place inside of the family, there has been plenty to talk about.
Recently, there has been something else that has brought the royal family into the limelight. It was a decision made by Prince William to remove Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabelle Elliott from the payroll. She has been working as the interior designer for the estate since 2005 under King Charles’ direction.
As William starts to manage the estate in his way, there have been some changes. The removal of 75-year-old Elliott is only one of the changes, but it was one that is significant. The records show that she wasn’t paid in 2023 or 2024, so her two decades of service had come to an end.
According to a statement: “During the period to 8th September 2022 the Duchy paid Mrs Annabel Elliot, the 24th Duke of Cornwall’s sister-in-law, in the normal course of business and on an arm’s length basis £19,625 (or $25,091.25) for fees and commission and £12,316 ($15746.44) for the purchase of furniture, furnishings and retail stock for the Duchy of Cornwall Holiday accommodation, Duchy offices and Duchy Nursery. At 31st March 2024 there was £nil (2023: £nil) remaining payable to Mrs Elliot in respect of these [sic].”
That private estate, the Duchy, cares for the private activities as well as some official activities for the Duke of Cornwall and his family. It was established in 1337 and is governed by specific charters.
Prince William is the current Duke of Cornwall and although he is associated with managing the estate, he doesn’t have access to the capital from the estate. He also pays income tax on the profits that are generated by the estate every year.
Now that Prince William has made the decision to remove Annabelle from the payroll, it seems as if people have a definite opinion. Some are happy that he made the decision and others didn’t realize that she was on the payroll in the first place.