Tom Parker Bowles, a renowned food writer and restaurant critic for 24 years, and son of the Queen, has mostly kept quiet about his royal family.
However, in his latest book, Cooking and the Crown, he offers a unique look into the eating habits and culinary preferences of the royal family.
“I knew I was stepping into potentially controversial territory, but after 25 years of writing about food, I felt it was the right time,” he said during an exclusive interview. “Of course, some may view it as nepotism,” he added with a chuckle.
His book blends history with recipes, featuring dishes from Queen Victoria to King Charles, including over 100 recipes ranging from breakfast to state banquets and high teas. Tom credits the Palace and King Charles for making the book possible.
“He is the kindest, most knowledgeable, lovely man. You can ask him about food, and it’s like talking to an academic,” Tom said of the King. “He knows every corner of his kingdom, and he’s a hero when it comes to farming.”
Regarding the King and Queen’s relationship, he observed: “They complement each other beautifully. They work well together, and we’re all happy that our mother is happy.”
Reflecting on his upbringing, Tom described it as “laid-back” and rooted in a love for food and family. Despite the royal spotlight, he maintains a deep fondness for his childhood in Wiltshire, where his mother’s specialty was roast chicken.
He also shared how his mother’s relationship with Charles, which became public in 1995, thrust him into the media’s eye, something that was especially challenging during the paparazzi frenzy of the mid-Nineties.
“I always felt protective of her, especially in those difficult days. It was dangerous, with high-speed chases and aggression from the press,” he said.
Was he ever angry with her during that time? “No. Never. She’s always been – and this isn’t just PR – such a wonderful mother.”
