Father of Prince Charles's wife Camilla dies

LONDON, June 12 (Reuters) The father of Prince Charles's new wife Camilla has died after a long illness aged 89, a royal spokesman said.

Major Bruce Shand died at his home in Dorset, southern England, yesterday morning, with Camilla and other family at his bedside.

The spokesman said Camilla, who married the heir-to-the-throne in a civil ceremony last year, was ''absolutely devastated'' and had cancelled her engagements for the coming week.

Shand, who had been unwell for some time, died of natural causes, the spokesman said.

''Arrangements are being made for a private family funeral and we ask the media to respect the family's privacy,'' the royal couple's Clarence House office said in a statement.

Shand was awarded the Military Cross and Bar for his service during the Second World War.

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