Alerts & Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

ASCOT, ENGLAND - JUNE 18: Queen Camilla and King Charles III attend on day two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 18, 2025 in Ascot, England.
Karwai Tang/WireImage

With King Charles battling cancer, every moment counts for the British Royal family. Particularly considering the King was already the oldest monarch to ascend to the throne when he first became king. So, it makes all the sense in the world that Charles, Camilla and the family are placing a big emphasis on this upcoming Christmas. But who will be there for the celebrations?

Not Camilla’s kids. Speaking to Richard Eden of The Daily MailTom Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla’s son, revealed that he would be missing out on the royal family holiday celebration this year. “I’m not [spending Christmas at Sandringham],” he told the outlet. He also added, “nor is my sister [Laura Lopes]. It’ll be every other year, one year on, one year off.”

Related: Here’s what each royal inherited from Queen Elizabeth

Tom Parker Bowles was present for the 2024 British family holiday celebration. “My mom said, ‘I’d love you to come, I haven’t had Christmas with you for a long time,’” he told The Telegraph, explaining that his mother and father-in-law have had a difficult few years. “It has been a hell of a two years for [Charles and Camilla]. The older you get, the more conscious you become of mortality, especially with illnesses and the rest of it,” he said.

Tom Parker Bowles
Tom Parker Bowles Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Confirmation comes after Us Weekly reported that “Charles prioritizes duty, but he’s also a family man who knows his time is precious. He wants a special last Christmas in case it’s his last.” The King is expected to join the rest of the royal family on their annual Christmas walk, recording his Christmas speech, and spending the day with relatives.

“Nothing would stop Charles from doing that,” a source said about the speech. “He will do everything expected of him and more. His health isn’t the best. They’re taking it day by day.”

Sources also said “the celebration may carry a wistful tone, however, it will also be a time of celebration, especially after Kate received the all-clear. They all want to make the most of their time together.”

News about Camilla’s kids is especially notable considering the recent reports about Charles and Camilla’s marriage. Radar Online reported in September that the royal couple are “divorced in everything but name” and lead “largely separate lives” to “keep up with appearances.”

“They are putting on a united front in public, especially because Charles is ill, but behind the scenes it’s a very different picture,” a source explained.

What this means is that despite any possible issues, the two will remain publicly positive and together. “They remain committed in their own way, but it’s not the kind of marriage most people would recognize,” the source said, adding, “Charles is absorbed in his health and responsibilities, while Camilla prioritizes her time at Ray Mill. At this point, it’s the crown that binds them – not the relationship itself.”

Either way, Camilla is set to spend the holidays with her husband and the rest of the royal family. It’s just that this year, she won’t be joined by her kids.

StyleCaster Daily
Get the latest news and style intel delivered to your inbox.

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

PMC Logo
StyleCaster is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2026 SheMedia, LLC. All Rights Reserved.