Queen Camilla Honors Late Brother’s Legacy Through Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Queen Camilla of the British monarchy continues to pay tribute to her late brother, Mark Chand, a renowned British travel writer and environmentalist, who tragically passed away a decade ago.

Despite the passage of time, Queen Camilla has found a heartfelt way to uphold her brother's memory, supported by her husband, King Charles.

The news of Mark Chand's untimely death on 23rd April 2014, at the age of 62, deeply affected Queen Camilla.

Recalling the moment she received the devastating phone call, she expressed the profound loss of her “indestructible brother” who had faced numerous challenges in his adventurous life.

Together, King Charles and Queen Camilla serve as the royal patrons of the elephant family, a wildlife charity co-founded by Mark Chand in 2002.

The charity's primary mission is to safeguard the Asian elephant population from extinction in their natural habitats, a cause close to both the King and Queen's hearts.

In their commitment to wildlife conservation, the royal couple has actively participated in various initiatives, such as the Big Egg Hunt and the Coexistence campaign.

Notably, the Coexistence campaign featured the display of 125 life-sized Lantana elephant sculptures at London's Royal Gardens last summer, raising awareness and funds exceeding £3 million for conservation efforts worldwide.

As a poignant tribute to Mark Chand's legacy, four of these elephant sculptures, inspired by the wild elephants of India, now grace the grounds of Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, the residence of King Charles.

Visitors to Highgrove House can admire these sculptures in the tranquil Orchard Room meadow, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife.

The collaboration between the Real Elephant Collective and the elephant family, led by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, underscores their dedication to preserving wildlife and fostering global conservation efforts.

Their joint efforts were celebrated at the Animal Ball last June, marking the elephant family's 20th anniversary and honoring the Adivasi tribal community from the Nilgiri Mountains in India with the prestigious Mark Shand Award.

Through their ongoing involvement in wildlife conservation initiatives and their unwavering support for the elephant family, King Charles and Queen Camilla continue to honor the remarkable legacy of Mark Chand, ensuring that his passion for environmental preservation lives on in their dedicated efforts to protect endangered species and promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.