Camilla and King Charles step out for emotional engagement as Queen honours her brother's legacy

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X: Royal Family
Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 13/05/2025

- 19:36

Mark Shand died 11 years ago in 2014

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the Elephant Family's 'Wonders of the Wild' event at Kew Gardens today in their capacity as Joint Presidents of the charity.

The royal couple celebrated the conclusion of the 'Big Egg Hunt', a public art trail that has delighted Londoners in recent weeks, and took part in a tribute to the queen's later brother, Mark Shand.


The event showcased more than 120 egg sculptures created by leading artists and designers, which have been displayed at iconic locations across the capital.

Their Majesties viewed a selection of the sculptures and met with artists before presenting the prestigious Mark Shand Award, named after the charity's founder and Queen Camilla's late brother.

Queen Camilla

The Queen arrived at the Kew Garden event that honoured her late brother, Mark Shand.

PA / Getty

Elephant Family was established by Mark Shand in 2002 and works in partnership with conservation experts to tackle challenges facing Asia's wildlife.

The charity has delivered pioneering projects to protect wildlife, restore habitats and promote coexistence between people and animals.

It is now part of the British Asian Trust, which it joined in 2019.

During the event, King Charles presented the Mark Shand Award, which acknowledges those who embody the late founder's visionary spirit and dedication to wildlife protection.

King Charles

She was joined by King Charles at the soiree that celebrated various artists and designers.

PA / Getty

Queen Camilla presented the Tara Award, named after an elephant befriended by her brother, which recognises extraordinary achievements in storytelling and advocacy for coexistence.

The 'Big Egg Hunt' featured over 120 large-scale egg sculptures across 30 locations throughout London.

The public art campaign raised awareness and funds for Asian wildlife conservation while delighting art enthusiasts and families.

Upon arrival at Kew, Their Majesties walked down an avenue lined with over 30 egg sculptures from the hunt.

Queen Camilla, King Charles

The Elephant Family Evening of Art and Conservation was established by Mark Shand.

PA / Getty

They met several artists including Instagram creator Sophie Tea, longstanding Elephant Family supporter Simon Emery, and Patricia Mitchell, whose egg was voted one of the most popular on the trail.

One notable egg, the 'Green Man Dumpty Humpty Egg' created by Royal Drawing School alumna Alice Shirely, had previously been placed outside The King's Gallery.

Inside the Temperate House, The King and Queen met several of the charity's supporters.

These included Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Gok Wan, who were scheduled to perform later in the evening.

Mark Shand

The Queen's brother, Mark Shand, died in 2014.

Getty

Their Majesties also spoke with eight-year-old Matilde Rodrigues, one of the first people to complete the art trail by collecting all 123 eggs via the specially designed Elephant Family app.

The royal couple joined guests to hear speeches from Lord Ghadia and CEO Richard Hawkes.

They also watched a short film about the Elephant Family before presenting the awards.

King Charles is Patron of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where the celebration took place.