Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 5, 2025 · Entertainment

Queen Camilla's Surprising Secret: Debunking the Myths About Her Lifestyle!

Tom Parker-Bowles has revealed the one big 'myth' about his mother Queen Camilla that just isn't true - and it's a very common misconception

EXCLUSIVE: Tom Parker-Bowles Spills the Tea on His Mother, Queen Camilla - And It's Not What You Think!

Get ready for a royally revealing interview with Tom Parker-Bowles, the 50-year-old food critic and eldest child of Queen Camilla. In a candid conversation on the popular podcast White Wine Question Time, Tom dished out the dirt on his mother's reputation - and it's a game-changer.

The Queen's Drinking Habits: Fact vs. Fiction

Queen Camilla's eldest child, 50, who is based in London, unveiled the truth about his mother in the podcast White Wine Question Time

For years, there's been a widespread myth about Queen Camilla's love of gin and tonics. But according to Tom, this is nothing more than a baseless rumor. In an attempt to set the record straight, he revealed that his mother "doesn't drink gin" at all - let alone knock back multiple glasses like some people might have you believe.

However, it seems Camilla does enjoy a good glass of red wine. But fear not, royal watchers: Tom assures us she's a "sensible" drinker who rarely exceeds her limits. And as for smoking? Forget about it! Queen Camilla hasn't had a cigarette in 20 years.

Tom's Life Before Food Writing

Tom Parker-Bowles (seen at Cheltenham Festival in 2024) said he would 'probably be dead' if he had a trust fund

But what about Tom's own life story? Well, the food critic has always been refreshingly honest about his privileged upbringing - or lack thereof. In a surprising twist, he revealed that not having a trust fund when he was younger "probably" saved his life. That's right; Tom believes being financially unstable as a young man made him work harder and appreciate his opportunities more.

Of course, this wasn't always the case. Before finding his calling in food writing 25 years ago, Tom worked a string of jobs to make ends meet. He even had a brief stint in PR, where he got to rub shoulders with A-list celebrities like Alicia Silverstone and Anna Friel (not that he was exactly fawning over them).

From PR to Food Writing: The Making of a Royal Insider

Tom (seen with Camilla) revealed that he was fired from his job in a PR company when he was younger

In an effort to provide for himself, Tom worked as a film publicist, taking care of talent at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Who knew being responsible for Anna Friel's schedule would be such a thrill? Alas, it wasn't all glamour and glitz; Tom was eventually let go from his PR job (yes, he got sacked - oops!).

But from those humble beginnings came a passion that would one day propel him to the top of the food writing world. Today, Tom is a regular contributor to The Mail on Sunday's (thescholarlynote.com) esteemed pages and the respected Country Life magazine.

Tom Recalls His Awkward Encounter with Queen Elizabeth II

In an interview with The Independent, Tom regaled readers with stories from his new book, Cooking & the Crown. This in-depth look at royal culinary cuisine spans centuries of British monarchs - including a fascinating section on the tastes and preferences of the late Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II.

And speaking of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Tom shared a hilarious anecdote about their first meeting when he was just eight years old. He'd curtsied instead of bowing (awkward!), which made for an unforgettable introduction. The next time they met, however, would be on the occasion of Camilla's wedding to King Charles - and let's just say it wasn't exactly a dignified affair.

Tom and his sister Laura Lopes "snuck out" during the celebrations and got lost in Windsor Castle (ouch!). This impromptu adventure was a memorable experience for Tom, who would later channel those youthful escapades into writing about the complexities of royal life.

So there you have it - the real story behind Queen Camilla's drinking habits, Tom Parker-Bowles' humble beginnings, and his royally revealing anecdotes. Get your cuppa ready and settle in for this scandalously fascinating exposé!