In a charming glimpse into the royal family’s dynamics, Tom Parker-Bowles, Queen Camilla’s son, has revealed that his mother is not a member of their family WhatsApp group. The reason? Queen Camilla prefers the simplicity of a traditional Nokia phone, shunning the digital world of apps and instant messaging.
During an interview with Woman and Home, Tom explained that the Queen’s decision stems from her focus on security. He jokingly shared that while his children, sister, and cousins are all active members of the group, Queen Camilla remains a tech-averse outlier. “We do – my children, my sister, and my cousins – but my mum still uses an old-fashioned Nokia telephone, [so] she can’t. I think it’s for security,” he stated.
Staying connected with his mother isn’t always easy for Tom, as Queen Camilla’s royal duties often keep her busy. He often finds himself dialing her number only to be met with silence. “I ring my mother, she doesn’t answer, I look on the television [and think] ‘Ah! She’s in Jersey,'” he shared, highlighting her dedication to her public engagements.
Indeed, despite being in their 70s, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s schedule remains jam-packed. Tom revealed that Queen Camilla often attends up to 30 events daily, showcasing her tireless commitment to her role. He emphasized that her dedication to her duties has only intensified over time, highlighting her unwavering work ethic.
The Queen’s preference for a basic phone offers a charming contrast to the modern communication methods favored by her family. While the rest of the family thrives on the convenience of WhatsApp, Queen Camilla embraces the traditional ways of staying connected. This seemingly small detail reveals a fascinating glimpse into the personality of the Queen, who despite her royal status, values simplicity and security in her personal life.
Despite her tech-averse approach, Queen Camilla actively supports King Charles on his official engagements. She accompanied him on his recent overseas tour, which included a visit to Samoa where King Charles addressed the Commonwealth’s colonial history and expressed his sorrow over the suffering caused by transatlantic slavery. The couple departed Samoa after a farewell ceremony before continuing their journey on a Royal Australia Air Force jet.