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SOPHIE AND CAMILLA AT LORD LICHFIELD TRIBUTE

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10 MARCH 2006

The Royal Family's leading ladies put on an elegant show of support for Lord Lichfield's loved-ones when they turned out for a memorial service in London on Thursday. Sophie Wessex, looking graceful in an oriental-style suit and feathered hat, was warmly greeted by Prince Charles' wife Camilla when she arrived for the event in the Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks.

Also in attendance was Princess Michael of Kent, along with Princess Alexandra and Princess Anne. The women were among a congregation of over 500 friends and loved-ones who turned out to pay tribute to the legendary photographer, who passed away last November after suffering a stroke.

Over the course of his career, the lensman produced some of his profession's most celebrated images. The iconic photographs of the Prince of Wales' wedding to Princess Diana can be found in his portfolio, along with pictures of Mick Jagger's marriage to Bianca and a rare smiling shot of Edward VII with Wallis Simpson.

The late Earl, who was the Queen's first cousin once removed, stunned British society when he decided to abandon a career in the armed forces in order to become a photographer. He endured hard times at first, famously swapping his Ferrari for a bicycle after his family stopped their financial support, but before long the budding snapper proved his talent and started winning major contracts.

Baroness Thatcher was also among the high-profile guests who went along to bid farewell to their old friend, as were TV stars Joanna Lumley and Nigel Havers, who both spoke in remembrance of the man who came to embody the Swinging Sixties.