THE funeral of the Duchess of Cornwall's brother Mark Shand is to take place today.

Conservationist and travel writer Mr Shand died unexpectedly last week after falling and hitting his head in New York.

Camilla and her family, who were left devastated by the 62-year-old adventurer's death, will gather for a private family funeral at Holy Trinity Church in Stourpaine, Dorset.

The Prince of Wales will be at his wife's side to support her during the service.

Camilla and her siblings often spent time together in the picturesque village of Stourpaine, which is home to the Duchess's sister ­Annabel Elliot. Mr Shand once described how the country retreat had become the ­family's "centre" .

The funeral of the ­Duchess's father Major Bruce Shand was held at the same church in 2006.

Mark Shand's body was escorted home on a private jet by Camilla's son Tom Parker Bowles and nephew Ben Elliot.