Annabel Elliot, the younger sister of Queen Camilla, has carved out her own distinguished career, particularly in interior design. Known for her refined taste and creative vision, Annabel has significantly contributed to the royal family’s homes, including the King’s estates across the UK and beyond.
Early Life and Career
Born Sonia Annabel Shand on February 2, 1949, in Lambeth, London, Annabel hails from an aristocratic background. Her father, Major Bruce Shand, was a British Army officer, and her mother, Rosalind Cubitt, was an aristocrat. Growing up, Annabel spent time studying fine art in Florence, Italy, before returning to the UK to build a career in interior design.
Her professional success led her to establish Annabel Elliot Interior Design and Antiques in Dorset, where she also co-founded the antiques and interiors emporium Talisman. Her work earned her significant recognition, and in 2011, she received praise for her interior design work on Bovey Castle Hotel in Devon, which was named to the Gold List of best places to stay in the world.
Annabel’s talents were further acknowledged in 2014 when The Daily Telegraph ranked her as the fifth most influential female interior designer.
Connection to the Royal Family
Annabel’s close relationship with her sister, Queen Camilla, has ensured her place in the royal fold. After King Charles’ ascension to the throne, Annabel was appointed the chief interior designer for the royal estates, contributing to the design of cottages on the Isles of Scilly, Restormel Castle, and the Llwynywermod estate in Wales.
In 2023, Annabel was named one of Queen Camilla’s Companions, a modern take on the traditional Lady in Waiting role, and she attended the coronation of King Charles in June 2023, part of Camilla’s close circle.
Personal Life and Family
Annabel married Simon Elliot, a Dorset landowner, in 1972. They had three children together: Ben, Alice, and Katie. Ben, the eldest, is a prominent British businessman and former Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party. He is married to Mary-Clare Winwood, the daughter of musician Steve Winwood. Their son, Arthur, had the honor of being a page of honor at King Charles’ coronation.
Annabel and Simon were married for 51 years until Simon’s passing in 2023. Annabel continues to live in Stourpaine, Dorset, where she resides after his death.
Queen Camilla’s Podcast and Family Ties
Alongside her interior design success, Annabel shares a personal connection with her sister, Queen Camilla, who recently launched a podcast inspired by her book club, The Queen’s Reading Room. Although Camilla does not host the podcast herself, she features in each episode. In the first episode, Camilla spoke fondly of reading Harry Potter to her grandchildren and revealed her husband, King Charles, is the one with a talent for mimicry, contrasting her own struggles with voices.
Annabel, who maintains a more private life compared to her brother Ben, remains a key part of the royal family’s close-knit circle, providing expertise and support behind the scenes.
Through her career, family ties, and enduring support for Queen Camilla, Annabel Elliot continues to be a significant figure both within and outside royal circles.
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