Tom Parker Bowles to Attend Royal Christmas for the First Time

Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla, will spend Christmas with the royal family for the first time. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, he expressed his mother’s desire for him to join her, King Charles, and the royal family at Sandringham.

"My mum said, 'I’d love you to come, I haven’t had Christmas with you for a long time,'" Parker Bowles shared. While plans aren't solidified, his family is preparing to attend the gathering this year. Parker Bowles and his ex-wife, fashion editor Sara Buys, co-parent their two children, 17-year-old Lola and 14-year-old Frederick.

Historically, the family has celebrated Christmas more casually. Parker Bowles recalled, "For the past 15 years, I go back to my ex-wife’s house, sit in my tracksuit bottoms, go to the pub while the beef’s in, then try to get my children to watch The Wild Geese. Classic." He noted that this upcoming celebration will be significantly different.

Parker Bowles remarked about the lack of details he has on the royal Christmas attendees. However, he shared some insights about the food and attire. "I genuinely know nothing about it," he said, adding, "But I know there’s turkey and sprouts and church. And I have to bring a suit and a dinner jacket." While an invitation has always been extended, this year’s enthusiasm is heightened due to "a hell of a two years for them" related to family health challenges.

Referring to his mother's pneumonia and the King's cancer recovery, Parker Bowles remarked on the poignant reflection that comes with age. "The older you get, the more conscious you become of mortality, especially with illnesses," he noted. He mentioned that Queen Camilla is recovering well, describing her as "tough" and resilient.

"She went back to work before she should have done but she’s fine. She hates that she missed Remembrance Sunday," Parker Bowles explained. "That’s a big day for her. She just gets on with it." He added that not much has changed since her ascent to the throne, noting, "Except she’s now Your Majesty and she works a lot harder."

Despite previous rumors, Parker Bowles confirmed to PEOPLE that he hasn't participated in the Sandringham celebrations before. "I have my own job, and the children have school. I haven’t been to Christmas yet for various reasons," he mentioned.

He revealed that though he hasn't spent Christmas Day with Camilla recently, she often gathers with her children and ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles after the holiday. "My mother and father are still great friends," he stated. Reflecting on their relationship, he observed, "It's a maturity that is a great thing if — despite a marriage sometimes not working — you can keep it together for the sake of the children."

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