The Duchess of Cornwall had a warm smile for family and friends arriving to help celebrate the life of her beloved father Major Bruce Shand on Monday. Elegantly dressed in black, flanked by her husband the Prince of Wales, Camilla welcomed 550 guests to the private memorial service in St Paul's Church in London.
When the twice-decorated war hero died in June devastation was etched over his daughter's face, but this week Camilla appeared to have decided the time was right to remember him with joy, affection and pride. This was reflected by her reading which was a text by Sir Thomas More including the line: "There is a time of weeping and there is a time of laughing''.
The Duchess' son Tom Parker Bowles attended with wife Sara Buys, while her daughter Laura Lopes was escorted by her husband Harry. The children's father Andrew Parker Bowles was also there to show his support.
Well-known faces among the congregation included distinguished actor Edward Fox and former Foreign Secretary Lord Howe, as well as Princess Margaret's daughter Lady Sarah Chatto, accompanied by her husband Daniel.
Camilla's father - who died aged 89 of natural causes, having previously battled cancer - was awarded two Military Crosses during World War II and was also a prisoner of war. He is thought to have been a pillar of strength for the Duchess in the difficult times during her long courtship with Prince Charles.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
