King Charles and Camilla share one strange hobby - and are 'deeply competitive' over it

The little-known fact was revealed by Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles, who said King Charles and his mother were 'deeply competitive' about one unexpected hobby

King Charles and Queen Camilla share a very niche and unexpected hobby that they’re both “deeply competitive” about, according to Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles.

The 75-year-old monarch has apparently been a foodie for years, but there's one particular vegatable that he and wife Camilla are especially fond of. Tom revealed the little-known fact in his new cookbook, Cooking and the Crown - which unveils royal-inspired recipes from Queen Victoria to King Charles.

In the introduction of his fresh pappardelle with porcini mushrooms recipe, Tom shared that the pair are "deeply competitive" about foraging mushrooms - a hobby Charles has enjoyed for many years, Hello Magazine reports. Tom wrote: “Wild mushrooms are somewhat of an obsession, with Charles III and Queen Camilla deeply competitive about their hauls."

Charles is believed to have turned to this hobby on the day his mother died peacefully at Balmoral on September 8, 2022. As Queen Elizabeth's health began to decline that day, Charles reportedly spent an hour at her bedside before going to the nearby Birkhall estate to gather mushrooms alone.

Tom Parker Bowles previously praised Charles' environmentally friendly approach to food. He said: "His Majesty The King is a true food hero. There is nothing he doesn’t know about rare breeds of cattle, heritage varieties of plum and apple, the joys of mutton and wild mushrooms, and the oozing allure of a stinky cheese.

"Every monarch has had their own tastes and preferences, and the King’s interest in sustainable, regenerative farming is well known, and was way ahead of its time. His advice is invaluable, his knowledge profound."

When raising her children, Camilla enforeced a "strict" diet, the author also revealed. He explained: "We grew up eating locally, seasonally and organically, way before they became the overused buzzwords they are today – my mother shopped at the butcher, fishmonger, bakery, and greengrocer," he explained in an interview with You magazine.

The family were allowed to enjoy processed foods, here and there, but these were always kept to a minimum. He said: "Ice Magic! Birds Eye Chicken Pies! Butterscotch Angel Delight! And huge variety packs of Monster Munch! We wanted it all, although my mother was fairly strict about what we were allowed."