Camilla Parker Bowles married Prince Charles in 2005, after a long-term love affair with the future king. The two were an item before (and during) Charles’ marriage to Princess Diana, so it’s easy to forget that while Charles was having a family, Camilla was doing the same. Camilla married Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973, and the couple had two kids, Tom and Laura. Find out why Charles didn’t marry Camilla in the first place.

We see plenty of pictures of Camilla with Princes William and Harry, who seem to get on well with their stepmom. So why are Tom and Laura always absent at the royal family’s events?

29 PHOTOSPrince Charles and CamillaSee GalleryPrince Charles and CamillaWINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – APRIL 09: TRH Prince Charles & The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles depart the Civil Ceremony where they were legally married, at The Guildhall, Windsor on April 9, 2005 in Berkshire, England. (Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 10: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales leaves the VE Day 70th Anniversary service at Westminster Abbey on May 10, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Danny E. Martindale/Getty Images)The Wedding Of Hrh The Prince Of Wales & Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles At The Guildhall, Windsor. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)The Prince of Wales and his new bride Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, with their families (L-R back row) Prince Harry, Prince William, Tom and Laura Parker Bowles (L-R front row) Duke of Edinburgh, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla’s father Major Bruce Shand, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, after their wedding ceremony. (photo: Anwar Hussein)Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, formerly Camila Parker Bowles, arrive at St. Georges Chapel. (photo: Martin Hayhow/PA Archive)In this handout from Royal Mail an image of a new stamp featuring HRH Prince Charles and Camila Parker Bowles is seen. A series of stamps will be released on the day of the royal wedding in April. The last set of Royal issue stamps was brought out to commemorate Prince William?s 21st birthday in July 2003. (Photo by Royal Mail via Getty Images)In this handout from Royal Mail a composite image of new stamps featuring HRH Prince Charles and Camila Parker Bowles is seen. A series of stamps will be released on the day of the royal wedding in April. The last set of Royal issue stamps was brought out to commemorate Prince William?s 21st birthday in July 2003. (Photo by Royal Mail via Getty Images)Britain’s Prince Charles and his bride Camila Duchess of Cornwall leave St George’s Chapel in Windsor following the church blessing of their civil wedding ceremony, 09 April 2005. In the background is Britain’s Queen Elizabeth. Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles, the true love of his life, on Saturday in a private civil ceremony that inevitably paled against his storybook wedding to Princess Diana more than 20 years ago. (Photo credit: ALASTAIR GRANT/AFP/Getty Images)WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 19: Charles, Prince of Wales sits as he attends a meeting with United States President Barack Obama (not pictured) in the Oval Office of the White House on March 19, 2015 in Washington, D.C. The Prince and Duchess are in Washington as part of a Four day visit to the United States. (Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images)JINJA, UGANDA – NOVEMBER 24: HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales pose for a photograph at the source of the White Nile on November 24, 2007 in Jinja, Uganda. The Prince and Duchess are in Uganda during the Commonwealth Heads of Govenment Meeting. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)WINDSOR, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: TRH Prince Charles and his wife The Duchess Of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles meet the crowd following the Service of Prayer and Dedication after their marriage at The Guildhall, at Windsor Castle on April 9, 2005 in Berkshire, England. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images)Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrive at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on March 17, 2015 for a four-day visit to the US.(Photo credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 18: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales visit the Lincoln Memorial on the second day of a visit to the United States on March 18, 2015 in Washington, DC. The Prince and Duchess are in Washington as part of a Four day visit to the United States. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales speaks with armed forces personnel during a reception at Guildhall, after the Afghanistan service of commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral on March 13, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Toby Melville – WPA Pool / Getty Images)LONDON, United Kingdom: FILES – Picture taken 14 November 2002 shows Britain’s Prince Charles (R) and his companion Camilla Parker-Bowles leaving the Ritz hotel where a private party was held to celebrate the succes of her jubilee in central London. Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles will marry in Scotland in the coming autumn, a German royal expert and author said 18 May 2004. (Photo credit: NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP/Getty Images)SANDRINGHAM, ENGLAND – JULY 31: Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles arrive together to attend the Sandringham Flower Show on the Royal Sandringham Estate July 31, 2002 in Norfolk, England. Camilla’s arrival with Charles, suggests an effort on the part of the British Royal Family to introduce her to more public Royal duties due to her relationship with the Prince. (Photo by Sion Touhig/Getty Images)GLOUCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND – JULY 27:Britain’s Prince Charles attends a polo match at the Beaufort Polo Club for The Ronnie Wallace Memorial Trophy in aid of The Hunt Servants’ Benefit Society July 27, 2002 in Glocestershire, England. (Photo by John Li / Getty Images)LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Britain’s Prince Charles (R) and Camilla Parker Bowles (L) leavee the Ritz Hotel after a private party to celebrate the succes of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II jubilee in central London 14 november 2002. (Photo credit:  NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP/Getty Images)NORFOLK,ENGLAND – JULY 23: Camilla Parker Bowles meets fans at the Sandringham Flower Show July 23, 2003 at Sandringham in Norfolk, England. (Photo By Steve Finn/Getty Images)LONDON – JULY 20: Camilla Parker-Bowles enjoys the speech by the Prince of Wales to London black taxi drivers, during a garden reception in the grounds of Clarence House, on July 20, 2004 in London. (Photo by ROTA/Getty Images)LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: The Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles arrive for a charity concert, 11 November 2004 to celebrate the career of music producer Trevor Horn. Charles’s partner joined him as he attended the official engagement, titled Produced By Trevor Horn, a concert for the Prince’s Trust at London’s Wembley Arena. (Photo credit: ANDREW PARSONS/AFP/Getty Images)WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM: Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles arrive for a party at Windsor Castle after announcing their engagement earlier 10 February, 2005. Britain’s Prince Charles and his longtime companion Camilla Parker Bowles are to marry, his office announced Thursday, putting the official seal on a relationship that first blossomed 35 years ago. (Photo credit: JOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images)WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM: Camilla Parker Bowles shows off her engagement ring as she and Prince Charles arrive for a party at Windsor Castle after announcing their engagement earlier 10 February, 2005. Britain’s Prince Charles and his longtime companion Camilla Parker Bowles are to marry, his office announced Thursday, putting the official seal on a relationship that first blossomed 35 years ago.  (Photo credit: JOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images)GLOUCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: HRH Prince Charles (L) and fiancee Camilla Parker Bowles leave church accompanied by the Rev. Christopher Mulholland, following the Sunday service at St Lawrence Church on March 13, 2005 in Gloucestershire, England. (Photo by Getty Images)The Prince of Wales, and his new wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall (Photo by Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage)Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall and guests (Photo by Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage)HRH Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles during The Royal Wedding of HRH Prince Charles and Mrs. Camilla Parker Bowles – Outside at Guildhall in Windsor, Great Britain. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/WireImage)WINDSOR, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: HRH Prince Charles & The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles depart the Civil Ceremony where they were legally married, at The Guildhall, Windsor on April 9, 2005 in Berkshire, England. (Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall (Photo by Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage)Up Next

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Actually, while he might not be a household name in America like his stepbrothers are, Tom Parker Bowles (who happens to be both stepson and godson of Prince Charles) has certainly made a name for himself in his own right. He’s a successful food writer and food critic, having written eight cookbooks and served as a presenter for British cooking show Market Kitchen. He doesn’t shy away from the spotlight and seems comfortable in front of the camera during interviews.

Meanwhile, Camilla’s daughter, Laura Lopes (who married Harry Lopes in 2006), leads a more private life. The mother of three curates art for exhibitions and keeps a low profile.

Recently, tabloids have been up in arms over the fact that Laura and William didn’t mesh well when they were first introduced back in 1998, blaming each other’s parents for tearing their families apart. But that 20-year-old squabble doesn’t explain why they don’t share the spotlight now—there certainly doesn’t seem to be bad blood anymore. All stepsiblings have attended each other’s weddings, and Laura’s daughter, Eliza, was even a bridesmaid in William and Kate’s ceremony in 2011. Check out these 14 other unlikely royal friendships that will surprise you.

See the family together: 21 PHOTOSCamilla Parker Bowles and her kidsSee GalleryCamilla Parker Bowles and her kidsThe Prince of Wales and his new bride Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, with their children (L-R) Prince Harry, Prince William, Laura Parker Bowles and Tom Parker Bowles, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle Saturday April 9 2005, after their wedding ceremony. (Photo by Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage)CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 11: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall seen with her son, Tom Parker Bowles during Ladies Day on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, on March 11, 2015 in Cheltenham, England.PHOTOGRAPH BY Jules Annan / Barcroft Media (Photo credit should read Jules Annan / Barcroft Media via Getty Images)CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 11: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (right) and her son Tom Parker Bowles watch the racing as they attend day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 11, 2015 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21:Sara Parker Bowles (L) and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, attend Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon for the launch of Tom Parker Bowles’ new book ‘Let’s Eat Meat’ at Fortnum & Mason on October 21, 2014 in London, England.(Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images for Fortnum & Mason)BLANDFORD FORUM, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 01: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Tom Parker Bowles attends the funeral of Mark Shand at Holy Trinity Church, Stourpaine on May 1, 2014 near Blandford Forum in Dorset, England. Conservationist and travel writer Mark Shand, brother of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, died unexpectedly last week after falling and hitting his head in New York. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 12: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall holds a wad of money after she and son Tom Parker Bowles watch the first race as they attend Ladies Day, day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 12, 2014 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 14: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Tom Parker Bowles and his mother Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall watch the racing on day 2 ‘Ladies Day’ of the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival on March 14, 2012 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Indigo/Getty Images)Tom Parker Bowles and The Duchess of Cornwall at the launch of his new book Full English: A Journey Through The British And Their Eating Habits, at Selfridges in London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)Tom Parker Bowles, The Duchess of Cornwall and his sister Laura at the launch of his new book Full English: A Journey Through The British And Their Eating Habits, at Selfridges in London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09:(EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK TABLOID NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME)Laura Parker Bowles, Tom Parker Bowles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the launch of Tom Parker Bowles’ new book ‘Full English’, at Selfridges on September 9, 2009 in London, England.(Photo by Dave M. Benett/Getty Images)Tom Parker Bowles Signs Copies Of His Book Accompanied By The Duchess Of Cornwall. . (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)The Duchess Of Cornwall Attends The Party For The Launch Of Tom Parker Bowles’ New Book ‘The Year Of Eating Dangerously’, At London’S Kensington Place. . (Photo by Antony Jones/UK Press via Getty Images)LACOCK, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 06:Tom Parker Bowles arrives at St Cyriac’s Church, Lacock for the wedding of Harry Lopes and his sister Laura Parker Bowles on May 6, 2006 in Wiltshire, England. 26-year old Laura (daughter of Camilla and her former husband Andrew), and 29-year old Harry (nephew of the late Lord Roborough and grandson of the late Lord Astor of Hever) announced their engagement in November, having dated for nine years.(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall and Tom Parker Bowles (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND – MARCH 17:Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall watchs the Gold Cup race on the fourth day of Cheltenham Races with her family, Tom Parker-Bowles and his wife Sara Parker-Bowles and Laura Parker-Bowles, on March 17, 2006 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) The Duchess Of Cornwall Attends The Wedding Of Tom Parker Bowles & Sarah Buys At St. Nicholas Church Near Henley On Thames. . (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)Bride Sara Buys arrives at Saint Nicholas Church in Rotherfield Greys, Berkshire, for her wedding to Tom Parker Bowles, the son of the Duchess of Cornwall. (Photo by Johnny Green – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – NOVEMBER 03:Camilla Parker-bowles With Her Son Tom Parker-bowles And Daughter Laura Parker-bowles Arriving For A Party In Kensington To Celebrate The Launch Of His New Book ‘e Is For Eating: An Alphabet Of Greed’.(Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)LONDON – NOVEMBER 3:Camilla Parker-Bowles and Tom Parker-Bowles attend the party celebrating the launch of Tom Parker-Bowles new book ‘ E Is For Eating’ at Kensington Place on November 3, 2004 in London. Subtitled ‘An Alphabet Of Greed’, book focuses on unusual subjects including ‘c is for cannibalism’ and ‘i is for insects’. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/ Getty Images)385332 15: Camilla and Tom Parker-Bowles arrive at the Press Complaints Commission’s 10th Anniversary Reception at London’s Somerset House February 7, 2001 in London, England. (Photo by UK Press/Newsmakers)Camilla Parker Bowles wearing a three-quarter length pastel blue suit and matching hat (centre) with her daughter Laura (left) and son Tom (right) today (Thursday) before she met Prince Charles for the biggest society wedding of the year. She arrived 20 minutes before the Prince, who arrived with his son Prince Harry and Zara Phillips to attend the marriage of socialite Santa Palmer-Tomkinson and writer Simon Sebag-Montefiore at a Jewish synagogue in St John’s Wood, north London. Photo by Peter J Jordan/PA. See PA story ROYAL Wedding. (Photo by Peter Jordan – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)Up Next

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So that brings us back to the question: Is there a reason Tom and Laura aren’t more involved in royal outings?

Turns out, just because Tom and Laura’s mom is the Duchess of Cornwall doesn’t mean her kids want to be part of the ever-scrutinized royal family, and they seem to have intentionally created some distance. “[Laura and I are] not quite part of the royal family, to be honest,” Tom explained on Good Morning Britain in December 2018. “My mother married into it. She’s part of it. We’re the common children. We’re just on the side.” And that’s just how they like it. Don’t miss these 15 things you didn’t know about Duchess Camilla.

Originally Published on Readers Digest

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