Who Is Mark Shand? Camilla Parker Bowles’ Brother Dies At The Age of 62 After Accident In New York

Mark Shand, the brother of the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, passed away at the age of 62 in New York Wednesday after suffering from a head injury following an incident, a spokesperson for the British royal family confirmed.

“It is with deep sadness that we have to confirm that the Duchess of Cornwall’s brother, Mark Shand, has today passed in New York,” a Clarence House spokesman said, according to a report from the NY Daily News.

“The Duchess, The Prince of Wales and all her family members are utterly devastated by this sudden and tragic loss,” reads the statement.

According to reports, Shand, the sibling of the Duchess of Cornwall, 66, and brother-in-law to Prince Charles, 65, the next in line to the British throne, died due to sustained injuries after falling on a New York City sidewalk Tuesday evening.

According to previous reports, Shand, a known smoker, fell after stepping out to smoke a cigarette at a night club after-party following an appearance at New York’s Sotheby’s auction house. Bowles’ brother was reportedly in town attending a charity event to protect endangered Asian elephants. The event was also attended by a fellow British royal, Princess Eugenie of York, the Daily Telegraph is reporting.

For those unfamiliar with Bowles’ brother, Shand was a well-known travel writer, author and avid conservationist. Prior to his passing, he was a chairman of the U.K. wildlife foundation, Elephant Family.

Chief executive of the Elephant Family, Ian Walkden, has since commented on Shand’s passing to The Telegraph, referring to his fallen colleague as “the head” of their foundation’s family and a great friend.

According to Walkden, the Duchess’ travel arrangements are unknown. “I can’t tell you what the Duchess’ plans are now,” Walkden told The Telegraph Wednesday.