I’m excited to share the details on Tom Parker Bowles’ latest literary endeavor—a delightful exploration of the regal recipes and dining habits of the British monarchy. In his new book “Cooking & The Crown,” the renowned food writer and critic takes readers on a captivating journey through the kitchens of palaces and castles, uncovering the fascinating gastronomic traditions of the royal family.
A Taste of Monarchy
Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla and the stepson of King Charles III, has leveraged his unique family ties and access to the royal archives to craft a comprehensive and engaging account of the monarchs’ culinary preferences, from Queen Victoria’s penchant for turtle soup to the current Queen’s love of a simple yet delectable bowl of porridge.
Parker Bowles recalls that he sought and received the necessary permissions to document the royal family’s eating habits around the time of the late Queen’s jubilee. “I can’t remember which,” he says with a wry smile, quickly correcting himself, “Platinum! That’s right.”
A Lifelong Passion for Food
Parker Bowles’ deep-rooted passion for food and cooking has long been a defining aspect of his life. A self-described “geek,” he has relished the research process, diving into the archives and kitchens of the royal residences to uncover the unique recipes and culinary traditions that have sustained the British monarchy over the generations.
“I adored the research—chancing upon 100-year-old biscuit recipes kept at Windsor,” he shares, underscoring the meticulous care he has taken to bring these stories to life.
Navigating life in the spotlight
Parker Bowles’ journey to this point has been far from linear. As a young man, he was known for his partying ways, earning him a fair share of tabloid attention. However, the now 49-year-old has experienced a remarkable transformation, settling into a life marked by family, writing, and a newfound focus on health and wellness.
“I still look back on those raving days as some of the happiest of my life,” he reminisces, “but things are very different now.” His recent efforts to maintain a healthier lifestyle, including a strict exercise regimen and a more measured approach to alcohol, have paid off, even if they haven’t quite delivered the “dramatic results” he had hoped for.
A Family Affair
Throughout it all, Parker Bowles has maintained a close relationship with his mother, Queen Camilla, and the rest of the royal family. He speaks fondly of his stepfather, King Charles III, and his adoration for his own children, Lola and Freddy, is palpable.
“She’s tough,” he says of his mother, reflecting on the challenges she has faced, including the recent cancer diagnosis of King Charles. Parker Bowles remains steadfastly supportive, checking in on the Waleses and maintaining a respectful distance from the personal lives of his stepsiblings.
As Parker Bowles embarks on this new chapter, sharing the rich culinary history of the British monarchy, his story serves as a testament to the power of family, resilience, and a lifelong passion for the art of cooking. With “Cooking & The Crown,” he invites readers to indulge in a delectable slice of royal life, one recipe at a time.
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