Queen Camilla’s Son Tom Parker Bowles Hasn’t Been to a Royal Family Christmas Yet 'for Various Reasons' (Exclusive)

The Royal Family may have tradition, but under King Charles and Queen Camilla it now reflects the modern reality of a blended family

Since marrying 19 years ago, after their extramarital affair and divorce – Charles from Princess Diana in 1996 and Camilla from Andrew Parker Bowles in 1995 – they have brought together a unique family that includes Camilla’s children, Tom Parker Bowles, 49, and Laura Lopes, 46 she is the half-sister of Prince William (42) and Prince Harry (40).

“We live in 2024 and blended families – it’s a little different to the days of Victoria and Edward. If they’re happy, we’re happy and that’s where it all starts,” Camilla’s son, Tom, tells PEOPLE amid the release of his latest book, Cooking and the Crown: Royal Recipes from Queen Victoria to King Charles III.

The coronation in May 2023 brought Tom’s own family into the spotlight, particularly his daughter Lola, 17, and son Freddy, 14, who he shares with ex-wife Sara Buys. Freddy even played a part in the ceremony as a page boy, along with others including Prince George. His children grew up with “Gaga and Uppa”, their affectionate names for Camilla and Charles. “They adore her,” he says. “And they worship the king. He was a wonderful stepfather.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla are joined by Camilla’s grandsons (right of Camilla: Freddy Parker Bowles, Louis Lopes and Gus Lopes) at the 2023 coronation.

Christopher Furlong/Getty

“We blend in and blend in,” he continues. “Of course there are boys [William and Harry]and when we talk about the extended family, Peter Phillips is a little younger than me and I grew up with him, and Zara [Tindall]. Girls from York [Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie] they are two of the most beautiful women you could ever hope to meet.”

Tom Parker Bowles, Prince Harry and Prince William at the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty Images

However, despite reports last year suggesting otherwise, Parker Bowles, 49, confirms he has still not joined the royal family at their traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham.

“We’re married, we’re not royalty – I’ve never said that for a second,” he says. “They are all incredibly nice and friendly to me and we’ve known them all for a long time. It seems natural.”

“That doesn’t mean that me and the kids spend our time running around palaces,” he continues. “I have my job, and the children have school. I haven’t been to Christmas yet for various reasons.”

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Laura Lopes, Queen Camilla and Tom Parker Bowles at Tom’s book launch party in London on September 5, 2024.

Dave Bennett/Getty

Although they don’t spend Christmas at Sandringham, Camilla often joins her children and ex-husband for post-holiday get-togethers.

“My mum and dad are still great friends and we’ll be leaving on the 27th of December and my mum will come over sometimes,” says Tom. “It’s something that needs to be worked on. It’s a maturity that’s a great thing if — despite the marriage not working sometimes — you can stay together for the sake of the children and for each other, then that’s a very good thing.”

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Reflecting on his own split with Buys (the couple divorced in 2018 and finalized their divorce in 2022), he adds: “I’m divorced, but move on with my ex-wife for the sake of the kids, that’s what’s important. My priority is to make sure my children are happy, safe and comfortable – just like any other divorced father.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education