Queen Camilla has made headlines for her unexpected admiration of the steamy Disney+ series, Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper's novel and featuring characters inspired by her own life. The show, which showcases the cutthroat world of television through racy storytelling, tells the story of Rupert Campbell-Black, played by actor Alex Hassell, whose character has roots tracing back to Camilla's ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles.
The 77-year-old monarch reportedly adored the series, with advance copies sent to her prior to its public release. According to The Times, Assistant Editor Kate Mansey reported, "I am told [the Queen] adored Rivals, the racy television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel." The series has gained significant traction, captivating audiences with its mix of drama, comedy, and risqué scenes, including depictions of Campbell-Black as he navigates both his romantic and professional entanglements.
Parker Bowles, now 84, served as inspiration for the charming lothario character, with Cooper recalling on the How To Fail podcast, "He's been a great friend for a long time... so he's very like Rupert. He's beautiful and blond and stunning." While Cooper has asserted her character’s wild behavior isn't drawn directly from him, the parallels haven't gone unnoticed, especially considering Parker Bowles’ past as something of a ladies' man.
Despite their divorce nearly three decades ago, Camilla and Parker Bowles are noted to maintain a close-knit bond. They are affectionately described as being "joined at the hip," regularly sharing lunches and supporting one another through various life events. This friendship remains steadfast, showing how family ties can endure personal challenges. Interestingly, Parker Bowles was also invited to King Charles' coronation, highlighting the respect and camaraderie he still garners within royal circles.
For the upcoming Christmas Day, Queen Camilla and King Charles will welcome around 45 family members to their Sandringham estate. Among them will be Tom Parker Bowles, Camilla's son, who revealed to The Telegraph his plans to celebrate the holiday with the royals after frequently spending the day elsewhere. He noted, "My mum said, 'I'd love you to come, I haven't had Christmas with you for a long time.'" This Christmas celebration signifies not just familial bonding but also tradition within the royal family.
Preparations for the royal festivities include picking out formal wear, as Camilla requested her son to bring along both a suit and dinner jacket. Tom, who is celebrated as a food critic and author, humorously expressed his uncertainty about the royal Christmas customs, sharing his expectations of turkey, sprouts, and church service.
Camilla's desire to spend Christmas with her son reflects her nurturing role within the family as she balances her public duties with personal connections. The Christmas Eve festivities are expected to begin with the family’s tradition of gift-giving, rooted deep within their German heritage, followed by the black-tie dinner—a hallmark of royal celebrations.
Practices such as the Christmas Day service led by King Charles and Queen Camilla, alongside their family, are typical of royal traditions displaying unity and faith. Following church, family members gather for their famed Christmas dinner, ending with the King's annual television address, which has become almost as much of a holiday tradition as the meal itself.
Camilla appears to navigate her royal duties with grace and warmth, balancing her connection to her past with her current responsibilities as Queen Consort, all the during keeping close ties with her family and adapting to more modern-day entertainment, as seen through her enjoyment of Rivals. This bridge between her public existence and personal joys encapsulates the life of Queen Camilla, showcasing her dynamic role within the British monarchy.
The juxtaposition of Camilla's appreciation for risqué television and her position as monarch reminds us of the multifaceted nature of those who hold public office. With her ex-husband's character serving as subject matter for the series, it's clear the world of royalty can sometimes engage with popular culture, showcasing both the mundane and the extraordinary.
With the anticipation of both the upcoming holiday celebrations and the continued success of Rivals, Queen Camilla reinforces her personal and familial connections, proving to be not just the Queen but also the matriarch of her family.
