Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, appears to be setting an example for Prince Harry on how to pen a book about the Royal Family without causing controversy or airing grievances. This comes in the wake of Prince Harry’s own literary endeavor, “Spare,” which was released in 2023 and stirred significant discord within the Royal Family by divulging private details about his life within the British monarchy.
Tom Parker Bowles’ upcoming book, titled “Cooking and the Crown,” promises a stark contrast to Prince Harry’s tell-all. Instead of focusing on personal disputes or sensitive family issues, Parker Bowles’ book is anticipated to cast a more favorable light on the Royal Family, potentially showcasing their traditions, values, and the lesser-known aspects of their relationship with the British public and their role in national culture.
Royal expert Phil Dampier tells The Sun: “He is sending a message that you can talk about the monarchy in positive terms and not denigrate it as Harry did in Spare. Harry washed his dirty linen in public and that is something Tom would never do.”
He added: “As a journalist, he [Tom] is inevitably a natural gossip and he must have been privy to so many secrets over the years, like when his mother was going to marry Charles, and so many bits of inside information that others would kill for. But he has remained discreet and would obviously never do anything to upset his mother, who trusts him totally.”
“Cooking and the Crown” is expected to explore the culinary heritage associated with the monarchy, perhaps providing insights into the dishes served at royal events, personal favorites of family members, and the ways in which the Royals contribute to preserving British culinary traditions. This approach not only highlights a positive aspect of the Royal Family but also steers clear of the personal drama that often captures headlines.
The choice of subject matter reflects Tom Parker Bowles’ professional background as a respected food writer and critic. His expertise and passion for food are likely to bring an authentic and enriching perspective to the narrative, offering readers a unique look at the intersection of British culinary practices and royal customs.
This method of portraying the Royal Family could serve as a subtle guide for Prince Harry and others who wish to write about their experiences without harming their relationships or reputations. Parker Bowles’ approach demonstrates that it is possible to share one’s connection to the Royals through stories that celebrate cultural contributions rather than personal grievances.
The release of Parker Bowles’ book is keenly awaited, not only by culinary enthusiasts but also by royal watchers and the general public, who are eager to see how he balances personal insight with public interest. By focusing on the positive and universally appealing topic of food, Tom Parker Bowles may well succeed in contributing to a more harmonious public perception of the Royal Family.
In contrast, the fallout from Prince Harry’s “Spare” continues to reverberate, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities that come with writing about such a high-profile family. The differences in the content and tone between these two books might further influence how royal biographies are approached by members of the Royal Family and those in their orbit in the future.