Tom Parker Bowles has addressed speculation that he might be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.
The 50-year-old food writer, who is the son of Queen Camilla, 78, and her former husband Andrew Parker Bowles, 85, was asked about the rumours during an appearance on Alan Titchmarsh’s programme Love Your Weekend.
The father-of-two dismissed the claims, saying: “My two children are embarrassed enough about my dad dancing at parties.
“The idea of me getting into sequins and sort of running like that… no! So it’s not true, and would never happen. Great show, obviously, but not for me.”
Queen Camilla’s son admits his children are ’embarrassed enough’ as he rejects Strictly Come Dancing
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Mr Parker Bowles, who has two children — Lola, 17, and Freddy, 15 — with ex-wife Sara Buys, was a guest on the ITV show alongside model Twiggy Lawson.
His mother, Queen Camilla, is known to be an enthusiastic fan of Strictly, with head judge Shirley Ballas revealing that the monarch once sent her a handwritten note after receiving a copy of her book, Murder On The Dancefloor.
Camilla herself has previously described herself as “one of Strictly’s greatest fans”. In February 2024, she joined professional dancer Johannes Radebe as he taught moves to Royal Voluntary Service staff and volunteers during one of her engagements.
She also featured in the 2017 Strictly Christmas special, dancing with judge Craig Revel Horwood inside Buckingham Palace.
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Speaking on BBC Breakfast last month, Mr Revel Horwood reflected on the experience: “I doubt that now. She was fantastic. We danced for the Royal Osteoporosis Society; she raised awareness and money for that charity, which was great.
“She loves dancing. She actually loves the show, and I would love to see her on there because she would nail it, darling. She’s got fantastic rhythm.”
Although no royal has ever signed up as a contestant, several have been spotted in the audience. In 2023, the Princess of Wales visited the studio with her three children, even taking a look around the costume department.
Back in 2018, the Duchess of Edinburgh attended a live recording with her daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, who had just turned 15.
Presenter Tess Daly later told Hello! that it was a birthday surprise: “It was lovely to have them there, we are very fortunate we have a few fans in the royal household… They did absolutely [get a backstage tour].
“Lady Louise was celebrating turning 15, and she said it was a treat to come and visit the show. She’s a big fan herself and her mother. They enjoyed all the action from the front row, and they had a great night. It was great to welcome them.”
The following year, Sophie joined in the fun herself, performing a waltz at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom during one of the show’s special episodes.