Tom Parker Bowles Says Stepfather King Charles Could be "Fantastic" at Another Job if He Wasn't Monarch
Just imagine.

As an acclaimed food writer, Tom Parker Bowles—otherwise known as Queen Camilla's son and King Charles's stepson—has seen it all when it comes to the food industry through the years. But while discussing farming and sustainable practices in a new interview with the Telegraph, he also mused on a job that The King would be "fantastic" at if he wasn't on the throne.
Parker Bowles, 49, has been a food critic for nearly 25 years, and the Telegraph reported he "has a special interest in the plight of the farmers."
“The two heroes of farming are The King and Jeremy Clarkson,” he told the publication, adding Clarkson (of Top Gear fame) is "a hero of the farmers because he has shown that it’s a thankless task." But what about King Charles?
“I’d never ever speak for the King," Parker Bowles said. "But all my life, way before it was trendy, way before regenerative was even a word…he has been banging the drum and supporting farming."
Tom Parker Bowles is seen chatting with The King at Royal Ascot.
Indeed, King Charles has long been a supporter of "going green," promoting sustainability back when it was considered a bit off-the-wall to do so. He's also very into farming and food production. In fact, The King's stepson said the monarch could actually take over his job if he wanted.
"There is no man—and I’m not being oily—who knows more about cheesemaking," the food critic said. "If he wasn’t King he would be a fantastic food writer.” I'd definitely be reading, for one.
This isn't the first time Parker Bowles, who released royal cookbook Cooking & The Crown in September, has praised his stepdad's knowledge about food. In a September piece he wrote for the Daily Mail, the author said, "There is no man who knows more about food and farming, from the best of British cheeses, through rare breeds of sheep and cow, to heritage varieties of plum, apple and pear, than The King."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
He continued that "Charles is a true food hero, and he very much practices what he preaches," adding "there is no waste at his table." Armed with Tom's new cookbook, perhaps The King can invite the family over for a sustainable feast.
Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
Meet Jeanie Buss, the Real-Life Basketball Boss Who Inspired Netflix's 'Running Point'
Her life and career bear a lot of resemblance to Kate Hudson's character Isla Gordon.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Kendall Jenner's Vintage Mugler Collection Is Seemingly Endless
The model managed to pull off another Mugler costume change for her second stop of the night.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
How Stylist Micaela Erlanger Crafted a Decade of Standout Lupita Nyong'o Oscars Looks
The duo has been inseparable since Nyong'o's first ceremony.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Queen Camilla's New Puppy Is Joined by Another Pet for King Charles—and He's "Besotted"
The King and Queen have a full house now.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Camilla Will Be "Emotional" at a Forthcoming Event With Kate Middleton, Says Royal Expert
"It will be one of the most important days in the royal calendar this year."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Queen Camilla Berated King Charles at Their Latest Joint Engagement
"We are waiting!"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate, King Charles and Queen Camilla Share an Unusual Interest
It's very on brand.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How "Grandpa Wales" King Charles Is Connected in a Special Way to Prince Louis
The two are tied together in a sweet way.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Queen Camilla Was "So Nervous" at Her 2005 Wedding to King Charles
"She handled it really well."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles Plans to Surprise Queen Camilla With an Extremely Special Gift After a Tumultuous Year
The monarch shared his not-so-secret plans with a celebrity at the Royal Variety Performance.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles Was Forced to Quit a Favorite Hobby He Once Shared With Queen Elizabeth Following "Too Many Injuries"
"I can't do much now," he explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published