Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, has opened up on his experience as a member of the extended Royal Family.
The author and food expert told PEOPLE magazine: “We are married in, we are not the Royal Family – I’ve never for one second said that. I find everyone incredibly nice and friendly and we’ve known them all for a long time.”
In a telling remark on his relationship with royals, he added: “It does seem natural.”
The King and Queen are expected to host the annual royal Christmas dinner in Norfolk this year, a tradition launched in the late 1980s by late Queen Elizabeth II.
The invitation is normally extended to members of the Royal Family and their partners. Last year, however, it was widely reported Queen Camilla’s two children and grandchildren had also received an invitation.
Mr Parker Bowles, however, said this was not the case for him.
The food critic also said he has not “been to Christmas yet for various reasons”. He adds: “That’s not to say myself and the children spend running around palaces. I have my own job and the children have school.”
King Charles’ stepson has two children with his ex-wife Sara Buys – Lola who is 17 and 14-year-old Freddy.
The royals represent a modern ‘blended’ family, the same as one in three family units in the UK. While many people juggle which home to spend the festive season at, the Royal Family is no different.
Princess Kate and Prince William are expected to be attending the annual royal Christmas walkabout – but it has instead be reported they will be staging their own Christmas party at their home this Decemeber.
According to the Daily Beast, the Prince and Princess of Wales will be hosting Princess Kate’s mother and father, Carole and Mike, along with others from the Middleton family, at their home on the Sandringham estate – Anmer Hall.
Tom reveals that Camilla does spend time with her children and ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, at Christmas. He said: “My mother and father are still great friends, and we will go down on December 27 and my mother will sometimes come”.
Commenting on King Charles, Tom described him as a “wonderful step-grandfather”, saying his children “adore him”.
Harry and Meghan are also not expected to be in attendance this year for the royal lunch in Norfolk. However, this comes as a surprise to very few people as the California-based duo have joined the royal family for just two Christmases since becoming a couple.
