Patrick Demarchelier, the renowned French photographer who became the first non-British official photographer to the royal family, has died at the age of 78.

He was Princess Diana‘s favourite photographer and worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars during his four decade career.

The news was announced on his official Instagram page on Thursday, alongside three black and white pictures of the photographer, including one with his beloved dog.

The post read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Demarchelier on March 31st 2022, at the age of 78.

“He is survived by his wife Mia, his three sons Gustaf, Arthur, Victor and three grandchildren.”

Once described by Princess Diana as a “dream”, he took the famous 1990 black and white picture of her wearing a strapless dress and tiara.

The Princess of Wales had contacted him the previous year after being impressed by one of his images on the front cover of Vogue. He went on to become her personal portraitist.

He also produced the cover for the 1991 December issue front cover of Vogue, which featured Diana in a black polo neck, staring directly into the camera.

A post shared by [email protected] (@patrickdemarchelier)

Born in Paris in 1943, Demarchelier developed his love of photography at 17, when his stepfather bought him his first camera.

He went on to teach himself the basics, taking photographs of friends and at weddings.

He moved to the US in 1975 to follow a girlfriend, seeking freelance fashion photography work as a means to support himself, and the rest was history.

During his career Demarchelier photographed many high-profile celebrities including Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna.

An ardent dog lover, he previously said that none of the hundreds of pop culture icons he immortalized in 30 years behind the lens compared to his dog, a long-haired dachshund called Puffy who he called “the perfect model.”

The photographer worked for nearly every major fashion magazine over the years, including Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Rolling Stone as well as many high-end fashion brands.

He helped shoot advertisement campaigns for Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Tommy Hilfiger and Carolina Herrera.

His photography earned him fame in his industry, with a mention in the 2006 Devil Wears Prada film starring Meryl Streep.

He also had a cameo in the 2008 Sex And The City movie alongside Sarah Jessica Parker.

In 2007 he was honoured with a French Order of Arts and Literature (l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres) by the French culture minister.

In 2018 Demarchelier was accused of sexual harassment, after which Conde Nast (the owners of Vogue) suspended work with him. Demarchelier denied all accusations.

Among those paying tribute to Demarchelier were US designer Vera Wang, and models including Bella Hadid, Cindy Crawford and Hailey Bieber.

Sharing pictures of herself taken by Demarchelier, Crawford said “Rest In Peace, @patrickdemarchelier. Thanks for so many great memories and beautiful, timeless images.”

Model Bella Hadid said: “I am grateful to have been lucky enough to be in front of your lens.

“Most gentle, most legendary, soft but full of life. You will be missed Patrick. Rest In Peace. I will miss this day, and you dear Patrick.”

Wang said she was “saddened to the core” by the news and would “always treasure” Demarchelier’s talent and kindness.

Sharing a picture of one of their final shoots together she wrote: “We began our fashion journey together on a SHOPHOUND shoot for American Vogue where he met his wife Mia.

“I will always treasure his talent, his kindness and our long history. So many sittings for Vogue, then ad campaigns for Vera Wang, the company.

“I am saddened to the core. To his wife and family, I send my love. May he rest in peace forever more.”

Celebrity hair stylist Sam McKnight, who also worked with Diana, said he had “so much” to thank Demarchelier for.

“Oh I am so sad to hear this,” he replied to the original post.

“I had the BEST TIMES with Patrick, endless incredible iconic photos, wonderful memories, a lifetime of laughter, I have so much to thank him for, there will never be another.

“Condolences to his beloved family.”

Posting on his own Instagram he added: “Oh, dear Patrick, how you made us laugh. Thank you for having me around for the beautiful ride. Rest in Peace my friend.”

Actress Kate Hudson said she had “always enjoyed” working with the photographer and sent a “ton of love” to his family.

“So many memories. I had the pleasure of being photographed by Patrick often and always enjoyed him and his team so much,” she wrote.

“Sending a ton of love to his family.”

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