Tom Parker-Bowles reveals his early days in film PR may have overlapped with the Duchess of Sussex
Before Meghan Markle became a household name as the Duchess of Sussex, she may have unknowingly shared a professional circle with Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker-Bowles.
Speaking on the latest episode of the White Wine Question Time podcast, Tom opened up about his brief stint in film publicity during the 1990s—an era that coincided with Meghan’s early career in entertainment.
“I worked for a wonderful film PR company called DDA,” he told host Kate Thornton, as reported by the Daily Mail. “They used to run Cannes and you’d be looking after talent. So you’d be taking Alicia Silverstone round London in the ’90s or Anna Friel or whatever.”
Though Meghan would later gain fame through her role in Suits, it’s possible the two once moved within the same Hollywood circles—well before their lives intersected through the royal family.
Tom, who is both the godson and stepson of King Charles III, admitted his time in PR was short-lived. “I was always late. I got sacked,” he said, laughing.
Despite the early setback, Tom went on to reinvent himself as a respected food critic and author. Now 50, he has published nine cookbooks and writes regularly for Mail on Sunday and Country Life magazine.
Reflecting on his career path, Tom credited his strong work ethic to his parents, Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles. With no trust fund to fall back on, he said, he had to work for everything. “Sadly, no trust fund. Actually, it’s a good thing. I’d probably be dead if I’d had one,” he said. “You have to work. It’s important.”
As for Meghan, her path has also changed dramatically since her acting days. After marrying Prince Harry in 2017, the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and have since embraced a quieter life in California.
While their lives have taken very different turns, Tom’s surprising connection to Meghan’s Hollywood chapter offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersecting worlds of fame, family, and royalty.
