A newly published biography reveals that Prince William “sought assurances” to stop his brother’s wife from ever wearing their late mother’s cherished jewelry.
Robert Jobson’s new book, “Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen,” published on August 6, sheds light on how Prince William had reservations about Meghan Markle wearing Princess Diana’s jewelry collection.
The book sheds light on the strained relationship between the brothers before Harry’s wedding in May 2018. By the time William agreed to be Harry’s best man, their relationship had worsened, and the Prince of Wales grew concerned about Harry’s choice of partner.
Robert’s book read, “William, still concerned by the match, even sought assurances from the Queen that his brother’s bride-to-be would not wear any jewelry in the collection once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, even though his wife Catherine had been allowed to wear some, which would be due to her rank [sic].”
The book also highlights the increasing distance between the two couples. When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were offered a chance to move next to William and Catherine at Kensington Palace, they declined. Despite efforts to downplay the feud, the divide became obvious.
A source in Robert’s book revealed that Meghan was “taken aback” by the stark difference in living conditions between the brothers. The source claimed, “It was perhaps the beginning of all the tensions between the two couples.”
Although Meghan understood William’s higher rank, she believed Harry deserved more because of his royal status. Further insight into the situation comes from former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
Speaking to The Sun in June 2024, Jennie expressed that Meghan should have been given more time to adjust to royal life. She compared Harry and Meghan’s quick courtship with William and Catherine’s decade-long relationship, which allowed the Princess of Wales to better understand the demands of royalty.
“Kate was given ten years to peer into the goldfish bowl of royal life. I think it was brilliant she saw all the restrictions and glare of publicity it brings,” Jennie said. She added that William’s warning to Harry about rushing into the relationship with Meghan “came from a good place.”
Jennie also pointed out that slower courtships, like those of William and Catherine, as well as Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who is married to Prince Edward, have led to more successful royal marriages.
In addition to allegedly banning Meghan from using Diana’s jewelry, William reportedly took another decisive step by dismissing a key figure from his payroll.
He removed Annabel Elliot, Queen Camilla’s sister, from the Duchy of Cornwall’s payroll, surprising netizens. According to The Telegraph on July 24, Annabel has been the estate’s interior designer since 2005, working under King Charles III’s direction on various royal properties.
The 75-year-old interior designer’s departure comes as William begins to shape the estate’s management in his way. The latest Duchy accounts show she wasn’t paid for her services in 2023-2024, marking the end of nearly two decades of work.
The report repeated a statement from the Duchy’s 2024 annual report, which covered Charles’s last six months managing the estate and William’s first six months after inheriting it following Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
The statement read, “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].”
The Duchy is a private estate that provides income, and funds the official and private activities of the Duke of Cornwall and his family. This place was established in 1337 by Edward III to support his son, Prince Edward, and is governed by specific charters and laws.
The estate’s management focuses on sustainability and community benefits, with the goal of preserving it for future generations. The current Duke of Cornwall, William, does not have access to the estate’s capital and pays income tax on the profits it generates each year.
Along with its historic significance, the Duchy offers luxury holiday cottages in period buildings across Cornwall, Wales, and the Isles of Scilly. Designed by Annabel, these interiors blend antique and modern styles, using recycled materials like glass bottles for light fixtures and old chests for coffee tables.
The estate emphasizes eco-friendliness, using green electricity and renewable energy heating systems. It also promotes sustainable tourism that supports local economies and communities.
William’s decision to remove Annabel from the Duchy’s payroll sparked mixed reactions online, with one user expressing approval, noting that her position had been due to family connections and supporting William’s decision.
Some netizens were unaware of Annabel’s role, with some expressing surprise at her presence on the payroll. Others questioned her involvement, noting she completed her contract and is now retiring. Another supported her removal, emphasizing she isn’t William’s “mother or aunt.”
Another commenter highlighted the generational difference, joking that it makes sense for William to prefer a different style than an 80-year-old’s, adding they wouldn’t hire their grandma’s interior designer either.
Meanwhile, William’s decision received mixed reactions, with some praising his wisdom, while others questioned his intentions, suggesting he might be showing his “true colour [sic].”
Another commenter downplayed Annabel’s importance in the royal family, noting she was past retirement age and that her removal wasn’t surprising, blaming the media for creating drama.
Despite being removed from the Duchy’s payroll, Annabel remains active in royal projects, including recent renovations at Balmoral. However, her company, Annabel Elliot Limited, has reportedly faced financial challenges, with a noted decline in assets over recent years.
Annabel’s company is based at her country house in Stourpaine, Dorset. This place was where she and her late husband, Simon, reportedly allowed Charles and Camilla to “hold secret meetings” while Charles was still married to the late Princess Diana.
Fast forward to recent developments, Camilla’s relationship with the royal family remains a topic of controversy. It was reported in March 2024 that Harry distrusts the growing bond between William and the Queen.
Royal expert and author Tom Quinn said, “He [Harry] really distrusts that William actually gets on rather well now with Camilla – Harry will see this as a betrayal.”
Tom also mentioned that Harry was shocked when William realized that Camilla, whom they once viewed as a “monster” when they were kids, was actually a “nice woman.”
He added, “She is exceptionally good at listening with a sympathetic ear and William has definitely warmed to that.”
Tom further explained that Harry views William’s improved relationship with Camilla as another instance of William failing to remain loyal to the family. “For Harry things have never moved on really since his mother died,” Tom added.
Annabel’s dismissal, Harry’s distrust of his brother, and Prince William’s opposition to Meghan wearing Diana’s jewelry all fuel the royal drama and deepen the rift between the siblings.
