Laura Lopes made a rare royal outing today alongside her mother, Queen Camilla, following confirmation that she will not be spending Christmas with the Royal Family.
The Queen made an appearance at the Bristol filming location of the Disney+ series Rivals this morning, bringing along Mrs Lopes for an uncommon joint public engagement.
The 47-year-old art curator typically avoids the spotlight, making her presence alongside her mother particularly noteworthy.
According to Buckingham Palace, the visit served to honour British television production, opportunities for young people within the creative sector, and the literary legacy of Dame Jilly Cooper.
Laura Lopes (second from left) joins mother Queen Camilla in royal outing ahead of separate Christmas plans
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The acclaimed 1988 novel upon which the drama is based was penned by Dame Jilly, who shared a close friendship with the Queen before her death in October.
The mother-daughter outing appears to have held personal significance beyond the official purpose.
The character of Rupert Campbell Black in Dame Jilly's novel was reportedly inspired in part by Andrew Parker Bowles, Mrs Lopes's father and the Queen's former husband.
Other figures said to have influenced the fictional creation include Michael Howard, Earl of Suffolk.
Queen Camilla pictured on the set of Rivals
|REUTERS
While Buckingham Palace offered no explanation for Mrs Lopes accompanying her mother on this particular engagement, the family connection to the source material provides a compelling reason for her rare public appearance alongside the Queen.
During her behind-the-scenes tour of the production, the Queen observed filming and met cast and crew members.
She was photographed on the "Master Dog" set clutching a clapperboard and was also seen carrying a bag emblazoned with "I [red heart emoji] Jilly Cooper."
Camilla remarked on her late friend: "It's so sad that she's not here."
Queen Camilla with her daughter Laura Lopes earlier this year
| GETTYFollowing Dame Jilly's passing, the Queen had issued a rare personal tribute, calling her a "legend" and a "wonderfully witty and compassionate friend."
Relatives of the beloved author were expected to attend the studio visit today.
The engagement comes amid news that Mrs Lopes and her brother, Tom Parker Bowles, will not be joining the Royal Family at Sandringham for Christmas this year.
The siblings spent the festive period with their mother last year following the King's cancer diagnosis.
Tom and Sara Parker-Bowles separated in 2018 | GETTY"My mum said, 'I'd love you to come, I haven't had Christmas with you for a long time,'" Mr Parker Bowles told The Telegraph about last year's invitation, adding: "It has been a hell of a two years for them."
This December, however, the food writer confirmed to the Mail that neither he nor his sister would be at the Norfolk estate.
"It'll be every other year, one year on, one year off," he explained.