Ayesha Shand: 11 Facts About Queen Camilla's Niece And Her Relationship With The Royal Family

Ayesha Shand, born in 1994, holds a unique position as the niece of Camilla, Queen Consort. Her mother is actress Clio Goldsmith and her father was conservationist Mark Shand, Camilla's brother. Growing up, Ayesha developed a profound connection to elephants, fostered by her late father, a devoted philanthropist. She has even recalled being given her first elephant by her father, telling the Tatler, "I was really excited — thinking maybe [the pet] was a dog ... And he said, 'No, actually, I've got you an elephant.'" This early bond with the majestic creatures laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to elephant conservation.

Beyond her royal connections, Ayesha has carved her path in the art world, acting as the Associate Director at Hauser & Wirth, an esteemed art gallery. Despite her connection to the royal family, Ayesha doesn't often appear in the news or the tabloids. With her blend of royal heritage, passion for conservation, and involvement in the art community, Ayesha Shand is a fascinating person. Here are facts about the royal niece.

Ayesha's childhood was a whirlwind of adventure and cultural exploration, largely spent in the vibrant city of Rome. Clio Goldsmith, Ayesha's mother, described her decision to move to Rome to Vanity Fair, saying, "One day I decided I've got to react ... [Mark Shand had] been months away, so I wrote him a note that said, 'Gone to live in Rome with Ayesha. If you want to join us, here's the plane ticket.'" The family went on to live in Rome for seven years before returning to London in 2008.

Growing up as an only child, Ayesha's upbringing was characterized by chaos and constant movement. Her father, Mark Shand, a renowned adventurer and traveler, was frequently away on his expeditions, leaving behind a family. "Dad would come back with chests full of gifts from different lands and Mum's Eastern sculptures were everywhere. It was like a treasure trove — our house was a souk," Ayesha described to The Telegraph.

After returning to London with their daughter, Clio Goldsmith and Mark Shand's marriage was not destined to withstand, and they divorced shortly after their return. Ayesha reflected on her parent's divorce, telling The Telegraph, "My parents had outlived their love — I think it was too colorful and wild for real life — it was something out of a novel, a film." Ayesha's upbringing shaped her perspective and instilled in her a love for adventure that continues to influence her life to this day.

Ayesha Shand, daughter of the late philanthropist Mark Shand, is following in her father's footsteps as a passionate conservationist and advocate for wildlife protection. Ayesha recalled her first recollections of this lifelong passion, telling the Tatler, "​​My first memory of elephants is my dad sitting me down and telling me that he had bought me a pet."

Now, Ayesha is actively involved in initiatives aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation through her foundation, The Elephant Family, particularly focusing on coexistence strategies in India. Reflecting on her father's legacy, Ayesha emphasizes the importance of continuing his work. "When he passed away I became much more involved because I wanted to continue his legacy — all the work he did was so important and I wanted to make sure that was continued," she told the Tatler.

Ayesha is continuing her father's work with the same passion that he held for the animals, saying, "They're almost like my children. I've got all these photos and videos of them on my phone." For her, conservation is not just about protecting nature but also about celebrating its beauty and eccentricity. The Elephant Family also happens to be a family affair, since Ayesha's aunt, Camilla, Queen Consort, and King Charles III are both joint presidents of the charity. Of this, Ayesha told the Daily Mail, "'[Camilla] is amazing — she's so involved with the charity."

Ayesha Shand, daughter of the late explorer Mark Shand and niece of Camilla, Queen Consort, is a career woman. With a master's degree in art history from the University of Edinburgh and a job working in an art gallery, Ayesha's passion for the arts was cultivated from a young age. Speaking of how she was inspired to pursue the art field, Ayesha told The Telegraph, "We'd spend our holidays in town markets and I was taken along like the extra suitcase. My mum and dad would say, 'Stay here for six hours — we'll be back,' and I'd be left to wander. I always ended up buying figurines of animals and weird stuff."

A straight-A student at Edinburgh University, Ayesha's academic excellence and artistic inclination paved the way for her career in the art industry. Ayesha is currently serving as an Associate Director at the prestigious Hauser & Wirth art gallery in Mayfair. Ayesha uses her connections in the art world to drive her philanthropic efforts forward, specifically with the Elephant Family, an organization founded by her father. Her creative contributions to the organization's initiatives reflect her commitment to using art as a vehicle for social impact and conservation awareness.

Camilla, Queen Consort, played a pivotal role in helping Ayesha Shand cope with the devastating loss of her father, Mark Shand. The philanthropist, who was Camilla's brother, tragically lost his life in an accident while in New York for a charitable auction. In an interview, Ayesha expressed her deep gratitude for Camilla's unwavering presence, telling the Daily Mail, "She has been incredible in being there for me, not only personally but also in maintaining my father's legacy and being there for him." Ayesha continued speaking about Camilla's role in maintaining Mark's conservation efforts, stating, "I couldn't be more grateful. It does help with the grieving process. All of these things keep his memory alive, which is so important."

Reflecting on her brother's death, Camilla shared her anguish with Vanity Fair, writing in an email, "My brother was a larger-than-life character who left a mark on everyone he met. I miss him every day." Despite the profound loss, Ayesha displayed remarkable resilience in a 2015 interview with Vanity Fair, stating, "In my opinion it was his time to go, as much as that seems really odd. Dad lived an extraordinary life, but he was never truly satisfied." She went on to say, "He would have hated to be an old man. He would have hated to sit by a fire, grumbling, bored, his life without adventure."

Ayesha Shand, niece of Camilla, Queen Consort, opened up about her battle with endometriosis, shedding light on the debilitating effects of this often misunderstood condition. In a candid Instagram post and accompanying video, Shand revealed the harsh realities she faces every month. "This is what endometriosis looks and feels like," she wrote in her caption. " It's isolating, agonizing and completely unbearable." Endometriosis, affecting 1 in 10 people who menstruate, is notoriously challenging to diagnose and treat. There is currently no known cure, although symptoms can be treated. Many sufferers endure the cycle of pain silently, highlighting the urgent need for increased recognition and support for those affected. 

"Every month, I ingest hundreds of painkillers, faint, vomit, spend nights and days crouched on the floor crying. This is all followed by intense waves of helplessness and depression," Shand's Instagram caption continued. Despite her persistent pain, Ayesha is adamant about sharing her story, aiming to raise awareness for endometriosis. 

Fortunately for the philanthropist, she can access treatments that many are unable to, including surgery that may offer relief from her relentless symptoms. She acknowledges her fortune in accessing treatment, calling herself "lucky." Ayesha is making the most of her condition, using her platform as an opportunity to advocate for greater understanding and support for all people battling endometriosis.