Camilla Parker Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, is “devastated” after her brother died from a serious head injury sustained in a fall in New York.

Mark Shand, 62, 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 with one of his beloved elephants. Photo: AAP.

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.”

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

He was in New York to run an auction held at Sotheby’s in aid of the charity and underprivileged children. After the auction, Mr Shand had headed out for drinks with friends before attending the charity event.

Mr Shand is survived by his ex-wife Clio and their 19-year-old daughter Ayesha.

-with AAP