Camilla Parker Bowles' Brother Laid to Rest After Tragic New York Accident

Prince Charles stood dutifully by his wife's side as they joined 180 mouners at the Holy Trinity Church in Sourtpaine, Dorset

By Alyssa Toomey May 01, 2014 4:13 PMTags
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of WalesMark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

Mark Shand, the younger brother of Camilla Parker Bowles, has been laid to rest.

Prince Charles stood dutifully by his wife's side as they joined 180 mourners at the Holy Trinity Church in Sourtpaine, Dorset, on Thursday afternoon.

The Duchess of Cornwall, who was also accompanied by her sister Annabel Shand Elliot, as well as her late brother's 19-year-old daughter, Ayesha, and her cousin Katie Elliot, was seen looking teary-eyed and distressed as she honored her younger sibling, who passed away after falling and hitting his head on a New York sidewalk last week.

The 63-year-old British travel writer and conservationist fell shortly after leaving an after party for the Sotheby's Fabergé Big Egg Hunt at the Paramount Hotel. 

After his tragic passing, Clarence House released the following statement on behalf of Prince Charles and his wife:

"The Duchess, The Prince of Wales and all her family members are utterly devastated by this sudden and tragic loss. Mark Shand was a man of extraordinary vitality, a tireless campaigner and conservationist whose incredible work through The Elephant Family and beyond remained his focus right up until his death."

Shand will undoubtedly be remembered for his dedication to protecting the Asian elephant, including the founding of the conservation charity The Elephant Family.

A number of family and friends paid tribute to Shand, including his daughter Ayesha and renowned wildlife photographer Don McCullin. The Duchess of Cornwall also read "Farewell My Friends" by Rabindranath Tagore.

Shand's body was carried out the church in a biodegradable coffin as "The Elephant Song" from the film The Jungle Book played in the background.

Following Shand's passing, his charity has received a wave of support, and in response, the Mark Shand Memorial Fund has been launched in order to raise funds to save the Asian elephant. The family requests that any gifts be sent via the fund set up in Shand's honor.