Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana’s sons Prince William and Prince Harry are two of the most-watched royals on the planet, but did you know they have a stepbrother? Tom Parker-Bowles, who is the son of Charles and his wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles – known as the Duchess of Cornwall – and her first husband Andrew Parker-Bowles.
While he keeps a very low profile when it comes to his family, Tom has been spotted with his royal stepbrothers at family occasions, such as Meghan Markle and Harry’s 2018 royal wedding.
Tom was born on December 18, 1974 in London, meaning he is eight years older than stepbrother Prince William and ten years older than younger step sibling Prince Harry. His parents filed for divorce in 1994, although they had apparently been living separately for years.
Duchess Camilla’s only son eventually attended Eton College, the same prestigious school as stepbrothers Prince William and Prince Harry. In 2001, just as he founded luxury concierge service Quintessentially, he became a food columnist for society magazine Tatler, discovering his passion.
He has since published cookbooks like Let's Eat: Recipes From My Kitchen Notebook, a collection of his fave childhood recipes, has hosted food-related TV shows like Market Kitchen and has also served as a judge on Britain's Food Glorious Food and Australia's The Hot Plate.
© GettyImagesTom’s mom is Duchess Camilla
Tom was Duchess Camilla’s first born (and interestingly, Prince Charles is his godfather as well as his stepdad!). The food critic credits his upbringing, and especially his mom, for helping spark his interest in all things culinary. In an interview with Australia’s Daily Telegraph, he said that he grew up in a family that “love cooking and eating.” He revealed: My mother was a good cook — still is — not a fancy cook, just roasts and classic British food.”
© GettyImagesPrince William and Prince Harry also have a stepsister
Tom Parker-Bowles is seen here with his sister Laura Lopes chatting animatedly with their new stepbrothers William and Harry at Charles and Camilla’s 2005 wedding. Fun fact: both William and Harry, along with Wills’ then-girlfriend Kate Middleton, were guests at Laura’s wedding – see all the photos here!
© GettyImagesTom Parker Bowles married Sara Buys in 2005
The same year the Prince of Wales married Tom’s mom, the food writer tied the knot, too. On September 10, 2005, Tom married his girlfriend of five years, Sara Buys, at St. Nicholas Church Near Henley On Thames. The whole family – Charles, Camilla, William and Harry – attended the romantic nuptials.
© GettyImagesTom is married to Sara Buys
Tom and wife Sara Buys are seen here attending Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding on May 19, 2018 at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Tom and Sara, who is an editor for magazines such as Britiain’s Town & Country magazine, have two children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Archie Harrison’s stepcousins – Lola, who was born on October 9, 2007 and son Freddy who was born on February 28, 2010.
© GettyImagesTom Parker-Bowles talks his relationship with William and Harry
Tom has spoken about his relationship with William and Harry as they’ve gotten older. In 2012 he told British newspaper The Telegraph: "They’ve got very busy lives so our paths tend to cross occasionally if I’m visiting my mum at Clarence House. [The Duchess of Cambridge] Kate is lovely; she has impeccable manners and is sweet and graceful – everything we could hope for in a princess.”
© GettyImagesA blended family with their respective steparents, Charles and Camilla
For Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles’ wedding photo, the whole blended clan got together for a family portrait for posterity. From left to right: Prince Harry, Prince William, the Prince of Wales and his new bride Camilla, Tom Parker-Bowles and Laura Parker-Bowles. The memorable photo was snapped in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle after the wedding blessing.
