While the world watches every move King Charles and Queen Camilla make, there’s a pair of siblings who have spent decades successfully dodging the crown’s heavy shadow. Honestly, it’s a bit of a feat. Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes aren’t your typical "royals" because, technically, they aren’t royal at all. They don’t have titles. They don’t get taxpayer-funded security. You won’t see them cutting ribbons at a hospital opening in the Midlands unless they’re there on their own dime.
But being the children of the Queen of England comes with a specific kind of chaos. Imagine your mom's dating life being the lead story on every tabloid for twenty years. It wasn't exactly a picnic.
Who are the Parker Bowles kids?
Basically, Camilla shares two children with her first husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. Tom was born in 1974, and Laura followed in 1978. Growing up, their lives were rooted in the English countryside—Bolehyde Manor and Middlewick House—far away from the rigid protocols of Buckingham Palace.
Tom is the one you’ve probably seen on TV. He’s a well-known food critic and author who has written about nine cookbooks by now. He’s got this sort of "relaxed posh" vibe and has been a judge on MasterChef. Interestingly, King Charles isn't just his stepfather; he’s also his godfather. Talk about a small world.
✨ Don't miss: Melania Trump Wedding Photos: What Most People Get Wrong
Laura, on the other hand, is much more private. She’s an art curator who co-founded Eleven Gallery in London. While Tom is out there talking about the perfect roast chicken, Laura is quietly managing high-end art exhibitions and raising her three kids.
The Step-Sibling Dynamic with William and Harry
People always want to know if they get along with the Princes. It’s complicated. Or maybe it’s just... normal?
Back in the day, there were reports that William and Laura used to have massive rows about whose parent was to blame for the collapse of their respective families' marriages. You can’t really blame them. They were kids caught in a media hurricane. However, by the time the 2005 wedding rolled around, things had cooled off significantly.
🔗 Read more: Erika Kirk Married Before: What Really Happened With the Rumors
- Tom and William: They aren't exactly best mates who grab a pint every Tuesday. Tom has admitted he doesn't see the Princes that often because their "worlds" are so different.
- The 2023 Coronation: This was a big moment. Not just because their mom was being crowned, but because their own children were front and center. Laura’s son Gus and Louis, along with Tom’s son Freddy, served as Pages of Honour.
Life as a "Commoner" Step-Child
Tom has been very vocal about one thing: he is not a royal.
"We are married in, we are not the royal family," he told People recently. He’s right. When the King and Queen head to Sandringham for the traditional royal Christmas, Tom and Laura often aren't there. Tom recently mentioned he’d rather be on the sofa at his ex-wife’s place or hanging out with his own kids.
There is a refreshing lack of entitlement there. In 2026, as the monarchy looks to "slim down," the fact that Camilla’s children have their own careers and bank accounts is probably a massive relief for the Palace PR team.
💡 You might also like: Bobbie Gentry Today Photo: Why You Won't Find One (And Why That Matters)
What they do for a living
- Tom Parker Bowles: Food writing is his bread and butter. He’s a restaurant critic for The Mail on Sunday and has a new podcast called Intoxicating History. His latest book, Cooking and the Crown, actually looks at royal recipes, which is a rare moment of him crossing his professional life with his family tree.
- Laura Lopes: She’s still heavily involved in the art world. She recently showed work as part of the "Maius" exhibition in Wiltshire. She’s married to Harry Lopes, a former Calvin Klein model who is set to inherit some pretty serious estates (Gnaton Hall and Skelpick).
Why you should care about the "Gaga" factor
The grandkids call Queen Camilla "Gaga." King Charles is "Uppa."
According to Tom, the King is a "wonderful step-grandfather." He’s the guy who reads Harry Potter to the kids and does all the voices. This humanizes a family that often feels like a collection of statues. It shows a side of the King that the public rarely sees—the one who just wants to spoil the kids with sweets and stories.
Navigating the Future
As we move deeper into 2026, the roles of Tom and Laura likely won't change much. They’ll show up for the big stuff—funerals, coronations, maybe the occasional Jubilee—but they’ll return to their private lives the next morning.
If you’re looking to understand the modern British monarchy, don't just look at the people wearing the crowns. Look at the people standing just outside the frame.
Actionable Insights:
- Follow the Work: If you’re a foodie, Tom’s reviews in The Mail on Sunday are genuinely sharp and worth a read.
- Art Interests: Keep an eye on the "Laura Lopes Art" archives if you're interested in emerging British artists; she has a history of spotting talent early.
- Understand the Titles: Remember that neither Tom nor Laura will ever inherit royal titles or duties. They remain private citizens, which gives them a level of freedom the "working royals" can only dream of.