Breaking News: Tom Parker Bowles Says King Charles Is ‘Strong’ amid Cancer Diagnosis: ‘Fingers Crossed, Touch Wood’ (Exclusive)…. See More

“It’s a terrifying disease, and when someone close to you gets it in whatever capacity, it’s a very worrying thing,” Tom Parker Bowles tells PEOPLE

When King Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis in February, there were doubts about whether he could still undertake his previously announced royal tour of Australia.

Now, eight months later, the 75-year-old monarch—who reportedly paused his ongoing cancer treatment for the royal tour of Australia and Samoa alongside Queen Camilla, 77—has undertaken a grueling 9-day schedule, packed with multiple engagements each day, not to mention the challenge of a 22-hour flight.

Amid the release of his new cookbook, Cooking and the Crown: Royal Recipes from Queen Victoria to King Charles III, Tom Parker Bowles, the monarch’s stepson and godson, speaks to PEOPLE about his admiration for both his stepfather and his mother, Camilla.

“The King is strong,” Parker Bowles, 49, says of Charles, who arrived in Australia with Camilla on Oct. 18 for their highly anticipated tour. “He is doing what he can. He’s following the advice of his doctors. Fingers crossed, touch wood.”

“He’s a magnificent king,” adds the food writer, whose latest book (his ninth in 20 years) explores the culinary traditions of the royals.
Though Parker Bowles rarely comments publicly on his royal family ties, he also reflects on his mother, Queen Camilla, and how difficult this period has been.

“It’s a terrifying disease, and when someone close to you gets it in whatever capacity, it’s a very worrying thing,” he says. “But my mother is strong as well. She supports him in every way. I think it’s wonderful to have someone you love by your side.”

Throughout the tour, Camilla has remained a steady presence by Charles’ side. She’s also undertaken solo outings, bringing awareness so some of her key royal causes, like supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

I’m incredibly proud of her. She’s at an age when most people think of retiring, but she never complains; she just gets on with it,” Parker Bowles says.