Queen Camilla has extended a heartfelt request to her son, Tom Parker Bowles, to join the Royal Family’s Christmas celebration at Sandringham this year, marking a significant change in their usual holiday traditions.
In just a few weeks, the Royal Family will gather at the Sandringham estate for the festive season, with King Charles and Camilla hosting a mix of senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Tom Parker Bowles, Camilla’s eldest child, shared that his mother has personally asked him and his family to join the royal festivities this year. In previous years, Camilla celebrated Christmas Day with the royals, while Tom, his sister Laura, and their children celebrated separately.
However, according to Tom, although it is not ‘100 per cent’ confirmed, he does plan to take his family to Sandringham this year. He told The Telegraph that the invitation to go to Sandringham has always been there, but his mum specifically asked him to be there this year.
He explained: “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.”
While the plans are not yet finalised, Tom expressed his intention to attend with his children. Reflecting on the upcoming change, he admitted, “It will be a very different kind of Christmas for us. Normally, I spend it relaxing with my ex-wife Sara and our kids, but this year, I’ll be bringing a suit and dinner jacket.”
This year’s holiday holds extra significance for the Royal Family amid health challenges. King Charles continues his treatment for cancer, while Camilla is recovering from pneumonia.
In previous weeks, the King visited his Sandringham home to make sure it is ready to welcome the family to Norfolk for the festive holidays.
A royal insider said: “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.” It is believed both the King and Queen have been enjoying spending time at the estate so much together that they are planning an extended festive break and will spend New Year’s Eve in Norfolk.
A source close to the King said: “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.”