24 Apr 2014

Duchess of Cornwall's brother dies

9:17 pm on 24 April 2014

The Duchess of Cornwall's brother Mark Shand has died from a serious head injury sustained in a fall in New York.

The 62-year-old was taken to hospital on Tuesday night after reportedly slipping while lighting a cigarette and hitting his head on the pavement outside an after-party for a charity event.

Mark Shand was in New York organising fundraising for his conservation charity.

Mark Shand was in New York organising fundraising for his conservation charity. Photo: AFP

Camilla, who is preparing for a high-profile tour of Canada with the Prince of Wales next month, was said to be "utterly devastated" by the news.

A Clarence House spokesman confirmed the death, saying "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."

Mr Shand was the chairman of the Elephant Family charity and is known for his work as a conservationist and travel writer, AFP reports.

He was in New York for an auction held at Sotheby's in aid of the charity and underprivileged children.