Patrick Demarchelier, whose work defined a whole generation of fashion photography and who took iconic images of Princess Diana, has passed away at the age of 78.

The Frenchman’s death in New York was announced by his representatives on Instagram on Thursday. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Demarchelier on 31 March 2022,” the post read. “He is survived by his wife Mia, his three sons Gustaf, Arthur, Victor and three grandchildren.”

Demarchelier produced the cover for the 1991 December issue of Vogue that featured Diana. It was the princess who had contacted him in 1989 after seeing one of his Vogue covers.

As almost the personal portraitist of Diana, Demarchelier was most highly regarded for his work with both Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and he was the subject of a major bidding war between the glossies.

He once said of his relationship with Diana: “We became friends. She was funny and kind — but fundamentally she was a very simple woman who liked very simple things.”

One of his best known images of Diana is an informal black and white portrait, which shows her sitting on the floor in a strapless white gown and diamond tiara, hugging her knees. This image was included when Vogue held an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London to mark the 100th birthday of its UK edition called Vogue 100.

Demarchelier was such a celebrity he was mentioned in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, when he is sought after by Miranda Priestly played by Meryl Streep. “Get me Patrick” remains a much-quoted line from the film.

In 2007, Vogue commissioned him to shoot the model Gemma Ward on assignment in India. The result was “An Indian Summer” — though for once his images were somewhat clichéd.