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Kate Middleton, Prince William “Saddened” by Mark Shand’s Death

Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 24, 2014 in Canberra
Kate Middleton and Prince William expressed their condolences for the death of Camila Parker Bowles' brother, Mark Shand

Kate Middleton and Prince William's thoughts are with their family, even if they can't be. The royal couple, who are wrapping up their tour of New Zealand and Australia this week, sent their condolences to Camilla Parker Bowles over the death of her brother, Mark Shand, via a statement on Thursday, April 24. 

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"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were saddened to learn this morning of the tragic death of Mark Shand," the statement read. "Their thoughts are with the Duchess of Cornwall and her family at this time."

As previously reported, Shand died at age 62 after suffering a head injury outside a New York City nightclub on April 23. Sources confirm to Us Weekly that he slipped while lighting a cigarette and smashed his head on the sidewalk.

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"The Duchess, The Prince of Wales, and all her family members are utterly devastated by this sudden and tragic loss," a statement from Clarence House read. "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."

The Elephant Family is an organization that helps to prevent the extinction of endangered Asian elephants. Shand attended an auction for the charity on the day he died.

"Today we have lost the head of our family," the Elephant Family said in a statement. "Mark Shand was a true force for conservation. He was both a legend and inspiration and above all, our great friend. We ask at this time that people's thoughts are with his loved ones. We will miss him always." 

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