According to reports, Tom Parker Bowles’ partner died of cancer at the age of 42, leaving him “devastated.”

The Daily Mail says that his girlfriend, journalist Alice Procope died at home on March 17.

According to a friend, Alice’s cancer diagnosis was “partly” delayed owing to the coronavirus epidemic, but when it arrived, it was “too late.”

“Partly because of Covid, Alice’s cancer diagnosis didn’t come until last August by when it was too late.

“That’s what’s so really cruel and there will be countless others like her.”

Tom, 46, has been seeing the mother-of-three for over two years.

Parker Bowles had been “blissfully happy” in his relationship with Ms Procope, according to a pal, since separating with his wife Sarah Buys in 2018.

According to the insider, “Tom had been blissfully happy with Alice and is devastated that life can be so cruel.”

Ms Procope leaves behind three children with her estranged husband, Robert Procope, grandson of baronet Sir Robert Wigram: Katherine, Wilfred, and Georgia.

Ms Procope, the granddaughter of the 2nd Viscount Ingleby, was known as Alice Horton throughout her stint as a diary reporter.

“Alice died peacefully at home on 17th March, aged 42,” read her obituary in the Daily Telegraph.

“Much loved mother of Katherine, Wilfred and Georgia, wife of Robert, and adored sister and daughter.

“Family funeral at St Gregory’s Minster, Kirkdale in Yorkshire with memorial service in London later in the year.”

Tom Teodorczuk, who worked with Ms Procope on the Standard’s Londoner’s Diary in 2003-2004, paid homage to her.

“She was a great journalist, so well connected and amazing fun to work with,” he said.

“She knew everyone in those days including Boris Johnson.

“She will be greatly missed. I was so sad to hear of her death, she was so young.”

Her death comes as thousands of Britons are estimated to have skipped important appointments as concerns rise throughout the country over delayed cancer treatment and detection.

Tom is close to Prince Charles, who admires the way he managed his relationship with Camilla.

Tom, whose father Andrew Parker Bowles is Camilla’s first husband, previously stated that he has “always adored” Prince Charles.

He said: “All you care about your parents is they’re happy and my mother is exceptionally happy at the moment. I’ve always adored my stepfather; he’s always been a kind and good and lovely man.

“He is a man of warmth, intelligence and humanity and I think if it ever happens, he will make a fantastic King.”

Tom has published five cookbooks and received an award in 2010 for his efforts. He has hosted several cooking shows and most recently appeared on MasterChef.