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Prince William’s Bold Move: A Royal Shake-Up for Camilla’s Sister

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Prince William’s Bold Move: A Royal Shake-Up for Camilla’s Sister

In a surprising turn of events, Prince William has decided to make a significant change that has left many in shock.

Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabelle Elliot, will no longer receive a salary from the Duchy of Cornwall.

This is quite a shift considering Annabelle’s previously cushy arrangement, supported by her sister and King Charles.

For two decades, she held a position as a lady-in-waiting, which, while largely ceremonial, also came with a substantial paycheck for her work as an interior designer.

When Charles was still the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, he brought Annabelle on board to spruce up various properties within the Duchy.

Her contributions included renovations and design improvements not only for the Duchy’s buildings but also for his estates in Wales and the Isles of Scilly.

Given their long-standing relationship, which dates back to the early days of Charles and Camilla’s romance, this arrangement seemed almost natural.

Over the years, Annabelle earned hundreds of thousands of pounds for her services, although the exact figures remain undisclosed.

The public learned about her earnings through financial reports from the Duchy, which William initially resisted releasing.

Under pressure from the media, Kensington Palace eventually revealed that upon assuming control of the Duchy, William chose to exclude Annabelle from the payroll, sparking widespread public debate.

The annual Duchy reports detailed payments made to Annabelle, which varied significantly—from £19,625 to £82,272—depending on her projects.

Additionally, she often received reimbursements for expenses related to furniture and decor, occasionally amounting to as much as £90,285 in a single year.

Notably, she played a key role in renovating a 20-room pub in Dorset and contributed to the transformation of cottages and a guesthouse at Dumfries House, a property saved for the nation by Charles in 2007.

For the first time in 2023, Annabelle has found herself without a salary from the Duchy of Cornwall.

Insiders suggest that Prince William felt the staff had gained enough expertise from working alongside her over the years and could now manage without her assistance.

However, Queen Camilla was determined not to leave her sister without an income.

Consequently, King Charles stepped in to hire Annabelle for design projects at various royal estates, including Balmoral.

Recently, Annabelle was tasked with enhancing the design of a restaurant at Balmoral, set to open this summer.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that she will continue to collaborate with the royal family on suitable opportunities as they arise.

Reports indicate that she has also been involved in designing Sandringham Castle in Norfolk over the past 18 months, showcasing a strong alignment with the King’s aesthetic preferences.

While Annabelle may be stepping back from the Duchy, her role within the royal family remains significant.

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding Camilla and Charles’s relationship, Annabelle has consistently stood by her sister.

She has been described as Camilla’s rock, providing unwavering support during turbulent times, including the public backlash following the infamous love triangle involving Charles, Diana, and Camilla.

Annabelle Elliot, born in 1949, has always preferred to stay out of the limelight, unlike her sister.

She has attended numerous royal events, including Camilla’s coronation, where she provided discreet support.

Their close bond is evident, with Annabelle recalling how moving it was to witness her sister’s crowning moment.

Yet, despite their striking resemblance, their personalities differ greatly—Camilla thrives on public attention, while Annabelle shies away from it.

The sisters have endured personal losses together, including the death of their younger brother, Mark Shand, in 2014, and Annabelle’s husband, Simon, who passed away in 2023.

Their familial ties run deep, and Annabelle’s relationship with both Camilla and Charles has always been close-knit, even sharing family vacations together.

As an established interior designer, Annabelle has operated her own business for over 30 years, benefiting from her connections to the royal family.

Since Camilla and Charles’s marriage in 2005, she has reportedly earned around £1.5 million for her services.

Her designs have even drawn comparisons to iconic locations, like the Ritz Hotel, indicating that she has made a name for herself in her field.

William’s decision to cut Annabelle from the Duchy’s payroll has sparked discussions about fairness and transparency within the royal family.

Many view this move as a step towards addressing potential nepotism, questioning whether such substantial payments were justified without proper oversight.

As the royal family navigates these changes, it raises important questions about the balance between personal relationships and professional integrity.

As the dust settles on this royal shake-up, the future of Annabelle’s involvement with the royal family remains uncertain.

Will she continue to receive preferential treatment, or will her new role be subject to the same scrutiny as others?

The evolving dynamics within the monarchy are sure to keep the public intrigued, and conversations about the implications of these decisions are bound to continue.

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