Richard Fitzwilliams (born 14 October 1949) is a British public relations consultant and commentator. He is known for his work promoting figurative art exhibitions, including those held at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and the Threadneedle Prize at the Mall Galleries. From 1975 to 2001, he served as the editor of The International Who's Who.

Professional career

Publishing

From 1972 to 1975, Fitzwilliams served as an assistant editor of Africa South of the Sahara (Europa Publications). He then became the editor of Europa's International Who's Who, which was established in 1935. His editorial work encompassed cinema, theatre, art, history, and politics, with a particular focus on royalty. Fitzwilliams has also authored works and lectured on the subject of Who's Who publications. He has discussed the topic in radio interviews, including on BBC Radio 4's Today programme in 2009.

Public relations

Since 2002, Fitzwilliams has served as a press consultant for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, managing publicity for their annual exhibitions at the Mall Galleries. His work has included events such as the 2007 self-portrait exhibition and the permanent collection at Girton College, Cambridge. Since 2008, he has also been a press consultant for the Threadneedle Prize, an exhibition of figurative painting and sculpture at the Mall Galleries. Since 2009, he has contributed to the Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize.

Royal commentator

In March 2021, Fitzwilliams participated in an interview with a fictional news company created by YouTubers Josh Pieters and Archie Manners, unknowingly providing reactions to the yet-to-be-aired Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interview with Oprah Winfrey. He comments on matters related to the British royal family for various news outlets, including CNN, BBC News Channel, and Sky News. He has also lectured on the British honours system.

Newspapers and magazines

Since 1997, Fitzwilliams has been a regular contributor to The London and UK Datebook, writing the Artscene column. He reviews art events in London, Royal Ascot, and charity events for the "Going Places" section.

External references