The Duchess of Cornwall was supported by her husband Prince Charles and other members of the British royal family as she attended her late brother Mark Shand's memorial service. Mark, who was the chairman of wildlife foundation Elephant Family, passed away at the age of 62 in New York City last April when he suffered a fall and sustained a fatal head injury. On Thursday morning Camilla, 67, and the Prince of Wales, 65, were seen arriving at St Paul's Church in Knightsbridge, London.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCamilla and Prince Charles arrive for Mark Shand's memorial
The Duchess put on a brave face and smiled as she was greeted by church ministers and kissed them on the cheek. Dressed in an elegant white dress with a pretty butterfly print, and a black blazer and matching black hat, Camilla headed in for the ceremony of her younger sibling who she has fondly recalled as a "charismatic and sometimes infuriating brother".
Camilla speaks about moment she learned her 'indestructible' brother had died
William and Kate express sadness at Mark's deathCharles followed closely behind, accompanied by the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Camilla's daughter from her previous marriage Laura Parker Bowles.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Beatrice was spotted entering the church in Knightsbridge, London
The Queen's granddaughter Princess Beatrice was also spotted entering the church, looking as chic as ever in a black knee-length frock with green panels and a small black pillbox hat. Other famous faces who paid tribute to the late conservationist included Jemima Khan, Amber Le Bon and Mario Testino – the photographer behind Prince William and Kate's engagement photos. The service for Mark – full name Mark Roland Shand – was held at noon to celebrate the life of the conservationist. At the time of his death, Mark's charity released a statement, writing, "Today we've lost the head of our family. Mark Shand was a true force for conservation, a legend and inspiration."
© Photo: Getty ImagesJemima Khan was among the high-profile guests
Camilla, who was relaxing in Scotland with Charles at the time of Mark's passing, was said to have been "utterly devastated" by the sudden loss of her younger brother. In a statement released by Clarence House, Mark was described as a man of "extraordinary vitality, a tireless campaigner and conservationist." The travel writer had been attending an after-party following a charity fundraising party in New York, when he went outside to smoke a cigarette and slipped. He was taken to hospital but died from his head injuries.
