Queen Camilla’s son has shared his mother’s heartfelt Christmas request following a “hell of a two years.” The royal family is preparing to head to Sandringham for their holiday festivities, with King Charles and Camilla hosting relatives including the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Tom Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla’s eldest child, revealed that his mother has asked him and his family to join the gathering this year. In past years, Camilla has celebrated Christmas Day with the royals, sans her children Tom and Laura and her grandchildren.
However, Tom disclosed that while it’s not “100 percent” confirmed, he plans to bring his family to Sandringham this year. He told The Telegraph that the invitation to Sandringham has always been extended, but this year his mother specifically requested his presence.
He said: “My mum said ‘I’d love you to come, I haven’t had Christmas with you for a long time’. “It has been a hell of a two years for them. The older you get, the more conscious you become of mortality, especially with illnesses and the rest of it.”
Tom revealed that he’s accustomed to a low-key Christmas with his ex-wife Sara Buys and their kids Lola and Freddie, so celebrating the festive season at Sandringham will be quite the change for him. He confessed, “I genuinely know nothing about it. I know there’s turkey and sprouts and church, reports the Mirror.
“And I have to bring a suit and a dinner jacket,” he said. This holiday season is particularly poignant for the royal family, coming after a year marked by health concerns with King Charles continuing cancer treatment and Camilla recovering from persistent pneumonia symptoms. Recently, the King inspected his Sandringham residence to ensure it’s prepared for the royal family’s gathering in Norfolk. A palace insider shared the enthusiasm within the walls: “The King is embracing the Christmas period already and really getting into the spirit.
Staff who have seen him this week remarked how happy and healthy he was looking. Plans for an extended stay have been hinted at, with both the King and Queen apparently looking forward to spending New Year’s Eve in Norfolk, An insider close to King Charles commented: “His Majesty has taken great solace in being among nature and enjoying time outdoors throughout his cancer treatment.
It’s something he believes has helped him incredibly throughout his ordeal. He is very much looking forward to spending quality time with as many of his close family as possible.
The royal family is set to gather for the holidays, including embattled Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his official duties in 2019 due to his links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Sources hint at the King’s desire for family unity during Christmas.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their children, Lady Louise, 20, and James, Earl of Wessex, 16, will also be present. Amidst the festivities, the Royals will indulge in their traditional Christmas Eve black tie dinner, exchanging gifts with a humorous twist.
Afterwards, Charles and Camilla are planning a retreat to Scotland’s Balmoral. Initially, the King will engage in private activities, resuming public engagements one week into the New Year.
