Last month, New York City was flooded with mourning over the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Most of the time it happened in a handful of British specialty shops and a lot of very many apartments. But at least one public memorial service was held for her. Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Lower Manhattan.
Film and television producer Luke Parker Bowles, one of the few individuals to help create a garden to honor members of the Commonwealth of Nations who died on September 11, 2005, said, “Long live the King.” Declared.
New Jersey resident and nephew of Camilla Parker-Bowles, Parker-Bowles suddenly finds herself something of a royal diplomat in the metropolitan area. “I would love to be her and Her Majesty’s Ambassador in New York,” he said. “I am Parker Bowles here.”
In addition to his day job, he works with the British Consulate to promote British talent and owns a film production company. strange sausage — He and actor Patrick Wilson started running and now help run cinema laban initiative to save struggling small-town movie theaters and transform them into sophisticated venues for eating and drinking the latest blockbusters. It owns five theaters including one in Canaan.
Parker-Bowles, 44, lives in Montclair with his wife, Daniella Parker-Bowles, 47, and their three children, and is the head of the town’s film festival, scheduled for October 21-30 this year. I am helping the director.
In front of the Montclair Film FestivalParker Bowles told The New York Times about his work and mission. The interview below has been edited and condensed.
What made you move to New York?
I was visiting New York City from London with two friends for a long weekend. I went to a club called Spa right next to Union Square. That night, P. Diddy jumped onto the stage and started this improvisation. I thought this is exactly what New York looks like and this happens every night.
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My wife and her two friends had a booth and we were on the booth dance floor. We Brits aren’t that confident, so the cocktails must have been good, but I approached. We were in a long distance relationship for 3 years before we packed up and moved here.
Why did you move to New Jersey?
I lived in Williamsburg for many years. Patrick Wilson, my business partner now was my neighbor. He disappeared and one day he bumped into him again and asked where he was. He said, “I moved to the most wonderful town, Montclair.” I’m not a stalker, just go after him, but I visited and bought a house.
I call Montclair Narnia because people’s perception of New Jersey is highways and byways. But when you leave the highway and go up this hill into Montclair, there are trees and flowers and gardens and people are kind to each other…it’s like a slice of heaven. We have 3 kids so we needed the space.
What English habits do you still have? How do you incorporate them into the New Jersey lifestyle?
I’m not a great cook, but on Sundays I make for my family something called a bacon butty, which is two slices of white bread with bacon in butter. Americans prefer crisp bacon, while British prefer streaky bacon.
we also go pie store Every Sunday it is owned by my friend Sam who is British. I buy and eat pies on weekdays, but I also get this British candy that my kids love. Their favorite is the Cadbury chocolate button.
My son and I are also into football and are very big supporters. tottenham hotspur, a highly reviled team, but that makes us love it even more. We watch every game.
You still come to New York City about once a week. What is your favorite spot?
The West Village has a great place serving Philly cheesesteaks. WoggyWhenever I’m in town I try to stop by. I’m also a vodka martini freak, so cafe luxembourg Located on the Upper West Side. I disagree with anyone suggesting there are better vodka martinis in New York City. The bartender there told me why James Bond always sipped his martini with a shake, not a stir. Stirring the martini makes it stronger as the alcohol mixes and comes to the top. Because when you pour it, the ice comes out last and you get a layer of water on top.
What are you looking forward to seeing at the Montclair Film Festival?
“She said.” Book, and I am so fascinated by watching movies. My favorite each year is watching short films and hearing new filmmakers. A lot of people who make big movies now made short films a few years ago and their careers can be traced and backed up.
Will Queen Elizabeth II’s Gardens in Hanover Square take on more significance after Queen Elizabeth’s death?
I’m one of the few people who put together a garden. After the events of September 11th, there was no room for reflection for federal victims. For example, the Australian Consulate had an office and people went there. It was clear that something needed to be done. With the help of Mayor Bloomberg, Hanover was able to secure the space in his square and give it its current shape. Feels like the most British place in New York City.
I’m incredibly proud of it. Being there makes me feel refreshed. Now when I am there, I am reminded of how great the Queen was. I pinch myself and say, “That woman wasn’t human.”
How has your life changed since your aunt became Queen of England?
It might be an ironic answer, but I don’t particularly like people who don’t care about me and suddenly come out of the woodworking shop.
You talk a lot about your responsibility to help others and serve people. Can you tell me more about why it’s so important to you?
Even if I had this name, I wouldn’t want to use it to go to cocktail parties or hang out with Upper East Side socialites.
I learned to do charity at a very young age. I remember being bullied and even receiving death threats when I was in boarding school because people put together that Diana died because of Camilla.
It wasn’t a happy time and I wanted to divert it, so I joined charity. I remember swimming non-stop for 3 hours for charity (which is ridiculous). I loved it, and I liked not focusing on being bullied, but on what I could do for others.
You spend most of your time working in the Cinema Lab. Why are cinemas so important?
The movie theater has the atmosphere of an English pub where everyone gathers. For example, in New Canaan, the playhouse was more than just a beautiful, iconic building. It was also a place for all the children to hang out and their parents knew they were safe. My girlfriend’s teenage daughter is currently hanging out in the CVS parking lot. I believe this is because the lights on the main streets of these towns have gone out. we need to put them back.
It’s no exaggeration to say that over 100 movie theaters across the country are calling for our help to save them. is needed.