Almost 200 mourners yesterday paid their last respects to Lord Lichfield, one of Britain's best known photographers.
Among the congregation at the service in memory of the 66-year-old were his long-term partner Lady Annunziata Asquith, his ex-wife Leonora, Countess of Lichfield, their children Viscount Anson, Lady Rose and Lady Eloise Anson, his sister Lady Elizabeth Shakerley, and his faithful pet labrador, Drum.
Lord Lichfield, who was the Queen's first cousin once removed, died suddenly just over a week ago after suffering a stroke.
Reporters were not allowed into the private 35-minute service at St Michael and All Angels Church, in Colwich, Staffordshire, where the earl's coffin was placed in the Lichfield family vault.
The church is a short distance from the family's ancestral home, Shugborough Hall, and friends and staff from the estate and Lord Lichfield's photographic studios were among the congregation.
No member of the Royal family attended the service, which was conducted by the Rev Simon Davis, the vicar of St Michael's and the Very Rev Michael Yorke, the Dean Emeritus of Lichfield.
The readings, taken from The Letter of St Paul to the Romans and The Book of Wisdom, were read by Viscount Anson and John Braithwaite, a tenant farmer.
A statement issued by the Diocese of Lichfield said the hymns Immortal, invisible, God only wise and He who would valiant were sung during the service.
The music included works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Sir Hubert Parry and Gabriel Faure.
Two memorial services will be held at a later date to celebrate Lord Lichfield's life and illustrious career behind the lens - one at Lichfield Cathedral and one at the Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks.
Lord Lichfield, known professionally as Patrick Lichfield, was responsible for a host of iconic images, from the official photographs of the Prince of Wales's wedding to Diana to the intimate snapshot of Mick and Bianca Jagger at their marriage ceremony in 1971.
