Mark Shand is critically ill after a fall outside a nightclub in New York
Mark Shand has died after falling outside a nightclub in New York Geddit

The brother of the Duchess of Cornwall has died after a fall outside a New York nightclub, Clarence House has confirmed.

Mark Shand, 62, fell while reportedly lighting a cigarette and seriously injured his head at an aftershow in Times Square.

He was outside the luxury nightclub Diamond Horseshoe after attending an auction at Sotheby's to raise funds for his conservation charity, the Elephant Family, and a second charity, Studio in a School.

A spokeswoman for Clarence House, said: "It is with deep sadness that we have to confirm that the Duchess of Cornwall's brother, Mark Shand, has passed away in New York.

"Mr Shand died in hospital as a result of a serious head injury which he sustained during a fall last night. 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 married actress Clio Goldsmith, the niece of James Goldsmith. They have a 19-year-old daughter, Ayesha, but divorced in 2009.