Queen Camilla’s Son Tom Parker Bowles Didn’t Go to Royal Family Christmas (Exclusive)

The royal family may be steeped in tradition, but King Charles And Queen Camillanow reflects the modern realities of a blended family

Since their marriage 19 years ago, after their extramarital affairs and divorce -Charles Princess Diana Camilla by Andrew Parker Bowles in 1996 and Camilla by Andrew Parker Bowles in 1995; They brought together a unique family, with Camilla’s children, Tom Parker Bowles, 49, and Laura Lopes, 46, being half-siblings. Prince William42 and Prince Harry, 40.

“We live in 2024 and we live with blended families; This is a bit different from the days of Victoria and Edward. If they are happy, we are happy, and it all starts from there,” Camilla’s son Tom told PEOPLE at the launch of his latest book. Cooking and the Crown: From Queen Victoria to King George III. Royal Recipes for Charles.

His coronation in May 2023 thrust Tom’s own family into the spotlight, particularly his 17-year-old daughter Lola and 14-year-old son Freddy, whom he shares with ex-wife Sara Buys. Freddy even played a role as a page at the ceremony, alongside others, including Prince George. They grew up close to their children, “Gaga and Uppa,” the affectionate names they gave to Camilla and Charles. “They worship him,” he says. “They also worship the King. He was a wonderful step-grandfather.”

“We mix and blend,” he continues. “Of course there are the boys (William and Harry) and speaking of wider family, Peter Phillips is a bit younger than me and I grew up with him and Zara (Tindall). The York girls (Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie) are two of the nicest women you could ever hope to meet.”

Yet, despite reports Parker Bowles, 49, who suggested otherwise last year, confirmed the royal family still has not attended the traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham.

“We’re married, we’re not royalty; I never once said that,” he says. “I find everyone incredibly nice and friendly and we have known them all for a long time. This seems natural.”

“That doesn’t mean me and the kids spend their time running around the palaces,” he continues. “I have my own business and the children have school. I haven’t been to Christmas yet for various reasons.

Although they don’t spend Christmas at Sandringham, Camilla often attends a post-holiday get-together with her children and ex-husband.

“Mum and Dad are still very good friends and we are going down on December 27th and Mum will come over from time to time,” says Tom. “It’s something that needs to be worked on. It’s a great maturity, if sometimes a marriage doesn’t work out but you can keep it together for the sake of the children and for the sake of each other, then that’s a very good thing.”

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Recalling his split from Buys (the couple separated in 2018 and finalized their divorce in 2022), he adds: “I’m divorced but you’re getting along with your ex-wife for the sake of the kids, that’s all that matters.” “My priority is to ensure that my children are happy, safe and comfortable, just like other divorced fathers.”