King Charles III: Could his stepchildren play a role in His Majesty's 'modern monarchy'?

Queen Elizabeth II's passing somewhat restructured the royal family. Roles have changed, and titles have been passed on to heirs. But a question remains, will King Charles III's stepchildren, Tom and Laura, get titles?

King Charles III: Could his stepchildren play a role in His Majesty's 'modern monarchy'?
© Anwar Hussein Collection / Getty Images
King Charles III: Could his stepchildren play a role in His Majesty's 'modern monarchy'?

King Charles III has long advocated for a slimmed-down 'modern monarchy', but will that include His Majesty's stepchildren?

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Who are the King's stepchildren?

Many royal family members, including Princess Anne and The Queen Mother, attended Queen Consort Camilla's first wedding to Andrew Parker Bowles, The Mirror reports. They have two children together.

Born in December 1974, Tom Parker Bowles is a food writer and critic and often appears on cookery shows.

Laura Lopes was born in January 1978 and is the co-founder and director of London's Eleven Gallery.

Both attended their stepbrothers, Prince William and Prince Harry's weddings in 2011 and 2018. According to the publication, Laura's daughter Eliza was even one of Kate Middleton's bridesmaids.

King Charles III's modern monarchy

In his first address as King, Charles spoke of his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. But the monarch also has two stepchildren, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, whom he didn't mention.

Per The Daily Star, a series of changes are expected now that Charles has ascended the throne.

It is no secret that the King wishes to slim down and modernise the monarchy. King Charles reportedly wants to attempt to 'clearly define the position' of working and non-working royals.

The Daily Star points out that the Queen Consort's children, Tom and Laura, could be part of the new King's modern monarchy. Few working royals are young, other than Prince William and Princess Catherine. The Wales' children are not yet of age to undertake royal duties, and all the children of King Charles' siblings are non-working royals.

Will Tom and Laura receive titles?

However, royal protocol dictates that titles be passed via birth or marriage. Therefore, because Camilla's title depends on King Charles, Tom and Laura do not automatically qualify for titles.

OK! claims the pair aren't expected to take on any royal duties. The Mirror states that Tom and Laura would have to be nominated for a title due to 'good works'.

Joe Little, the managing editor of Majesty Magazine, said it would be unlikely for the siblings to benefit from royal security.

Sources used:

- The Mirror: 'King Charles's stepchildren - who are they and will they get royal titles'

- OK!: 'King Charles' stepchildren with Queen Consort Camilla and if they'll get royal titles'

- The Daily Star: 'King Charles' stepchildren with Camilla - their future role and royal titles'

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