Tom Parker-Bowles recently revealed that his mother, Queen Camilla, has opted out of the family’s WhatsApp group, preferring instead the simplicity of an old-fashioned mobile phone. He elaborated that the Queen uses a basic Nokia device, which is not equipped to handle applications like WhatsApp, illustrating her preference for more traditional methods of communication.
In an interview with Woman and Home, Tom explained how the family maintains connections through their dedicated WhatsApp group. However, despite these digital conveniences, his mother remains notably absent from it.
“We do connect that way—my children, my sister, and my cousins are all part of it—but my mum still uses an old-fashioned Nokia telephone, [so] she can’t join. I believe it’s a security measure,” he remarked, highlighting both the queen’s tech aversion and her dedication to safety.
Communicating with his mother can be quite a challenge for Tom, especially since she is frequently engulfed in royal duties and engagements. He candidly shares that when he attempts to call her, he often finds himself met with silence.
Tom humorously noted that every time he turns on the television, he tends to see his mother journeying somewhere alongside King Charles. In their 70s, both royal figures appear to have schedules packed tight with obligations, as Camilla reportedly attends up to 30 events each day, as shared by Tom.
“She’s always worked quite hard, so it’s still very much the situation where I call my mother, she doesn’t respond, and then I tune into the television and think, ‘Ah! She’s in Jersey,’” he recounted.
Tom remarked that Queen Camilla’s unwavering dedication to her royal duties has only intensified over time. His observation reflects a longstanding commitment to her role that remains as strong today as it has in the past.
The family’s WhatsApp group is primarily composed of his children, sister, and cousins, illustrating a modern touch to their communication, while his mother maintains a more classic approach, opting to stay connected through phone calls.
Charles and Camilla leave Samoa
Queen Camilla is accompanying King Charles on his first overseas tour following his recent cancer diagnosis. On October 26, Charles and Camilla departed from Samoa after a significant visit where the King spoke about the Commonwealth’s “painful” colonial history amidst ongoing discussions surrounding reparations for transatlantic slavery. They participated in a farewell ceremony in Siumu, influenced by rainy weather, before embarking on a Royal Australian Air Force jet to leave the beautiful island country in Polynesia.
Interview with Tom Parker-Bowles on Queen Camilla’s Communication Preferences
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Tom. It’s not every day we get a glimpse into the personal habits of royalty, especially when it comes to technology. Can you tell us more about your mother’s choice to step away from the family WhatsApp group?
Tom Parker-Bowles: Absolutely! It’s quite simple, really. My mother prefers the simplicity of an old-fashioned mobile phone, specifically a basic Nokia. This means she isn’t equipped to join the WhatsApp chats that my siblings and I use to keep in touch.
Interviewer: That’s quite unusual for someone in her position! Why do you think she opts for this more traditional form of communication?
Tom Parker-Bowles: I believe it’s a mix of personal preference and practicality. My mum values direct communication, and I think she sees her Nokia as a means to avoid the distractions that come with modern smartphones. Plus, using a basic phone adds a layer of security, which is always a priority for her.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating to hear that a royal figure like her leans into what many would consider outdated technology. How does this affect your family’s communication dynamics?
Tom Parker-Bowles: We definitely feel the absence of her in our chats. My kids, my sister, and cousins all connect through WhatsApp, sharing updates and family moments, but my mum is not part of that – and honestly, it’s completely understandable. We make sure to share important updates with her directly, which keeps things simple.
Interviewer: Do you find this affects the way you share news or updates with her, considering she’s not on those platforms?
Tom Parker-Bowles: It certainly can be more challenging at times! We have to make a point to communicate key things directly. It changes the pace of what might be a quick digital interaction for others. But it’s also nice in a way; it promotes more meaningful conversations when we do connect.
Interviewer: Thank you for shedding light on this unique aspect of family life. It seems like there’s a lovely balance between modern communication and traditional values in your family!
Tom Parker-Bowles: Exactly! It’s a blend of both worlds. At the end of the day, it’s about being present and connected, no matter the device we use.
Interviewer: Thank you, Tom! It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you.
Ng a more basic phone is also a security measure, which is understandably important given her position.
Interviewer: That makes sense! You mentioned that communicating with her can sometimes be a challenge due to her busy schedule. Can you share a bit about your experiences trying to reach her?
Tom Parker-Bowles: Oh, it’s quite amusing at times! I often find myself calling and getting no response, only to later see her on television at some event. It’s a bit funny to think I’m trying to get in touch with her, while she’s off doing her royal engagements. She has an incredibly demanding schedule, attending up to 30 events a day—it’s no wonder I can’t reach her!
Interviewer: It sounds like she’s incredibly dedicated to her duties. How does that affect your family dynamics, especially with the modern communication methods you all use?
Tom Parker-Bowles: It definitely highlights the contrast! We have a family WhatsApp group that includes my children, my sister, and our cousins, which allows us to stay connected and share updates quickly. Meanwhile, Mum’s dedication to her role means she’s missing from the digital side of things. But it also emphasizes her commitment to more personal, direct interactions, which I truly admire.
Interviewer: Thank you, Tom! It’s fascinating to see how different generations within the royal family navigate communication in such distinct ways while balancing tradition and modernity.
Tom Parker-Bowles: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share these insights about my mother and our family.
