Royal Christmas plans have been thrown into question as Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla, revealed he has not been invited to Sandringham for the festive celebrations.
Parker Bowles confirmed that despite reports suggesting otherwise, he has yet to join the Royal Family for their traditional Christmas gathering.
"I haven't been to Christmas yet for various reasons," he stated.
This admission is surprising, given the close relationship between Parker Bowles's children, King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Royal Family Christmas plans in chaos as Queen Camilla's son reveals he is not invited
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The revelation sheds light on the complexities of blended family dynamics within the royal household, challenging assumptions about the extent of integration between the Queen's immediate family and the wider royal circle.
Parker Bowles, 49, emphasised the modern nature of the Royal Family's blended structure.
"We live in 2024 and blended families – it's a little bit different from the days of Victoria and Edward," he continued to tell People.
Despite not attending Sandringham, Parker Bowles spoke warmly of his family's relationship with the royals. "If they're happy then we're happy and that's where it all starts from," he said.
Queen Camilla's son Tom Parker Bowles has never attended a royal Christmas
PA
He highlighted the close bond between his children and their grandparents. "They adore her," he said of Queen Camilla. "They adore the King too. He has been a wonderful step-grandfather."
Parker Bowles also noted his longstanding connections with other Royal Family members, including Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, whom he's "grown up with".
Despite not attending Sandringham, the Parker Bowles family maintains their own Christmas traditions. The 49-year-old revealed that Queen Camilla often joins her children and ex-husband for a post-holiday gathering on December 27.
"My mother and father are still great friends and we will go down on December 27 and my mother will sometimes come," he explained.
King Charles and Camilla lead Royal Family to church service at Sandringham in 2023PAParker Bowles emphasised the distinction between his family and the Royal Family, stating: "We are married in, we are not the Royal Family – I've never for one second said that."
He added: "I have my own job and the children have school."
This arrangement highlights the delicate balance the blended family maintains, respecting both royal traditions and their own family dynamics.
Reflecting on his own divorce, Parker Bowles emphasised the importance of maintaining positive relationships for the sake of children. "I'm divorced, but you get on with your ex-wife for the sake of the children, that's what matters."
The Royal Family spend each Christmas at Sandringham in NorfolkPAThe food writer and critic, who separated from Sara Buys in 2018 and finalised their divorce in 2022, stressed his priorities as a father. "My priority is to make sure my children are happy and safe and comfortable – just like any other divorced father."
Parker Bowles's approach mirrors the mature handling of relationships within the Royal Family. He praised the ability to maintain friendships despite marital challenges, stating: "It is something to work towards.
"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 and the sake of each other then it's a very good thing."
