Prince William and Prince Harry are undoubtedly two of the most recognizable siblings globally, akin to the famed duo Thor and Loki from Marvel’s universe — a comparison that leaves royal enthusiasts and Harry’s supporters pondering who embodies which character.
However, amidst the spotlight on the royal brothers lies a lesser-known figure, akin to the shadowy sibling Hela from Norse mythology. This enigmatic figure is Laura Lopes, the stepsister of Prince William and Prince Harry, often overshadowed by her brothers due to her lack of a royal title, rendering her existence unfamiliar to many.
Laura Lopes, now 46, is the daughter of Queen Camilla from her previous marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles. Unlike her famous stepbrothers, Laura has largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on her personal life and career away from the royal limelight.
Following her mother’s wedding to Prince Charles in 2005, Laura officially became part of the extended royal family. She married Harry Marcus George Lopes, a chartered accountant and former model, in 2006, and the couple welcomed three children together.
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Laura also has an older brother, Tom Parker Bowles, who is 49. Tom, a food writer and critic, has a somewhat higher profile than his sister, often appearing on British food and cookery TV shows. He shares two children with his ex-wife Sara Buys.
Despite their shared family ties, the relationship dynamics between Prince William, Prince Harry, and their stepsiblings have been complex. According to author Kate Nicholls, William and Laura had tumultuous relationships in their youth, with blame often being thrown around for their parents’ broken marriages. However, as adults, they have maintained a more cordial rapport.
For instance, Laura’s daughter, Eliza, served as a bridesmaid at William’s wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011. Yet, despite occasional public appearances together, it’s likely that the Windsors and the Parker Bowles lead largely separate lives, with communication between them limited, mirroring the distant relationship between William and Harry themselves.
