Royal Family's controversial decision regarding Queen Camilla's ex-husband raises eyebrows

The former Duchess of Cornwall carried out 169 public engagements between April 2021 and April 2022. However, now that she is the Queen Consort, this number will likely increase. But the Queen can't be in two places at once and may often have to send people in her stead.

Another loss for the Royal Family

John Bowes-Lyon, a maternal second cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth, sadly passed away aged 80 days after Her Majesty. He was the first cousin of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

The news of his death was announced after the Queen was laid to rest. His obituary, published in The Telegraph, stated:

John Francis died peacefully on 18 September 2022. Much loved brother of Fiona and David.

Unfortunately, the King and Queen Consort could not attend the funeral in person, as Their Majesties were previously engaged in their second joint engagement since assuming their new roles. They were visiting Project Zero in East London.

The Earl of Rosslyn represented the King at the funeral, which was held at the London Oratory on Tuesday, 18th October. However, Queen Camilla's choice of representation has raised some eyebrows.

A new member of 'The Firm'?

The Court Circular, the official record of Royal engagements, indicated that Brigadier Andrew Parker-Bowles formally represented the Queen Consort at the funeral of Bowes-Lyon.

It could be considered an odd choice considering that Andrew isn't a member of the Royal Family. Friends, however, speculate that this won't be the only time he represents the Queen Consort.

According to them:

Andrew is happy to do anything he is asked.

A friend of the Brigadier claims that Andrew and Camilla, who have two children together, 'still enjoy a warm relationship'. He is a godfather to Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Tindall and King Charles is a godfather to Andrew's son, Tom. So, it would seem, despite Andrew and Camilla's divorce in 1995, there is no animosity between the Queen Consort, King Charles and Andrew Parker-Bowles.

According to Mail Online,Andrew was also a cousin of Bowes-Lyon. Per the publication, their great-uncle was the legendary Raymund de Trafford. This could also be why he was chosen to represent the Queen Consort.

But the question still remains. Could there be a role for Andrew in King Charles's modern, slimmed-down monarchy?

Sources used:

- Mail Online: 'Camilla's ex-husband Andrew Parker-Bowles carries out a royal engagement on behalf of the Queen Consort as he represents her at a funeral'

- Geo News: 'Queen Elizabeth's cousin passes away days after monarch in royal tragedy'

- People: 'Camilla's 'Loyal Service' Celebrated by Queen Elizabeth amid Her New Future Queen Status'

- Royal.uk: 'Court Circular'

Read more:

⋙ Queen Camilla spotted with lookalike sister: Who is Annabel Elliot?

⋙ Camilla Parker Bowles: Here's why she can be Queen but Prince Philip could never be King

⋙ Prince Charles and Camilla's 'secret son' claims Netflix wants to do a documentary on his life