Tom Parker-Bowles, eldest son of Queen Camilla of England, wanted to clarify one of the most repeated rumors about his mother. He did so during a conversation on the British podcast White Wine Question Time, hosted by Kate Thornton. In the interview, he spoke candidly about Camilla's personal habits.
Although it's common to see Queen Camilla with a glass of red wine at public events, her son assures that doesn't mean she loses control. "I've never seen her tipsy," Tom stated, making it clear that moderation has always been present in her behavior. For him, that detail has been misinterpreted by many.
Parker-Bowles was adamant in denying that his mother has a special taste for gin, as is often said. He explained that she doesn't drink that beverage and that she hasn't smoked for twenty years. According to him, her only habit is enjoying a glass of red wine on specific occasions.
An unexpected confession about Camilla's habits | Instagram, @theroyalfamily
Camilla, discreet and far from excess
The queen's son insisted that his mother knows how to enjoy herself with elegance, without falling into excess. "I've never seen her affected by alcohol," he reiterated during the program. He added that nothing like an out-of-control or inappropriate attitude exists.
For Tom, many people let themselves be influenced by images taken out of context. Seeing someone with a glass in hand doesn't mean they have problems with alcohol. "She's simply a woman who knows how to enjoy herself in moderation," he explained.
This attempt to correct his mother's public image isn't the first. On other occasions, Tom has defended Camilla against sensationalist headlines. This time, however, his testimony has had a special impact because of the spontaneity of the conversation.
Tom breaks his silence and denies the most repeated rumors | Mediaset
Before making a name for himself in the world of gastronomy, Tom had several jobs. Among them, he spent a brief period working in public relations. However, his true passion was always writing.
Over time, he found his place writing about food in outlets such as Country Life or the Mail on Sunday. Today, he is a respected food critic in the United Kingdom, whose style blends culinary knowledge with British humor.
Through his articles and books, he has built an independent career, beyond his last name. Although he is part of the queen's family, his public profile is much more discreet. That distance also allows him to speak freely about family matters.
Tom's first meeting with Elizabeth II | Europa Press
A mistake with Queen Elizabeth II
During another recent interview, Tom shared a funny childhood anecdote. It was when he met Queen Elizabeth II for the first time, at just eight years old. Instead of bowing his head, he curtsied, the traditional greeting for women.
"I was so nervous I didn't know what to do," he confessed with a laugh. He says he remembers that moment with some embarrassment, but also with affection. That was one of only two times he saw the former monarch in person.
The anecdote came up while he was talking about his book Cooking & the Crown. In it, he explores the history of British royal cuisine through the tastes and customs of its monarchs. His goal is to show how gastronomy is also part of the history of the crown.
Tom Parker-Bowles opens up like never before about his mother | Europa Press
Royal drinks: from myth to reality
The reputation that people in the British court drink generously isn't new. In fact, it was Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, mother of Elizabeth II, who popularized it. Her habits included gin and Dubonnet before lunch, wine during meals, a Martini before dinner, and champagne to end the day.
According to one of her ladies-in-waiting, that ritual never varied. It was a well-established routine, which today seems surprising to many. In comparison, Queen Camilla appears to have much more moderate habits.
Tom wanted to highlight that difference clearly. He said his mother doesn't have that relationship with alcohol that some associate with royalty. On the contrary, she keeps a sober and respectful demeanor at all times.
Camilla, far from the stereotype: more down-to-earth and human than she seems | Europa Press
A more realistic and approachable image
With his statements, Parker-Bowles has offered a more authentic image of Queen Camilla. Far from labels or stereotypes, he describes her as a simple, balanced, and responsible woman. "People sometimes get it wrong with what they see from the outside," he said to close the topic.
This portrait helps dismantle an image that, for years, has been reinforced by certain media. Camilla, according to her son, doesn't fit that profile of a frivolous or excessive queen. She is, rather, a serene figure in the midst of a traditional institution.
Thus, Tom not only defends his mother, but also builds a different narrative about the monarchy. More human, more everyday, and above all, more real. A vision that is beginning to take hold in British public opinion.
