Richard Fitzwilliams

Richard Fitzwilliams (born 14 October 1949) is a British public relations consultant and commentator known for his specialisation in promoting figurative art exhibitions, including those held at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and the Threadneedle Prize at the Mall Galleries. He is also recognized as a royal commentator and film critic, having conducted over 400 television interviews and numerous radio interviews. From 1975 to 2001, he served as the editor of The International Who's Who. Additionally, he delivers lectures on the British honours system and the British Who's Who while also writing and broadcasting about arts events in London.

Publishing
From 1972 to 1975, Fitzwilliams served as the assistant editor of Africa South of the Sahara (Europa Publications). Following that, he assumed the role of editor for Europa's International Who's Who, which was established in 1935. During his tenure, his editing work encompassed various subjects such as cinema, theatre, art, history (with a particular emphasis on royal matters), and politics. The task of editing The International Who's Who was likened to "painting the Forth Bridge of Fame" by The Guardian, highlighting its ongoing nature. He arranged the promotion of The International Who’s Who, garnering press coverage in Britain and abroad.

Fitzwilliams is also an author and lecturer on the subject of Who's Who. He has participated in numerous radio interviews, including appearances on BBC Radio 4's Today programme in 2009 and BBC News, where he discussed the renowned reference book.

Public relations
Since 2002, Fitzwilliams has served as a press consultant for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, actively promoting their annual exhibition held at the Mall Galleries. He has also been involved in promoting specific events such as their 2007 self-portrait exhibition and their permanent collection located at Girton College, Cambridge. Additionally, since 2008, Fitzwilliams has been working as a press consultant for the Threadneedle Prize, a prestigious exhibition showcasing figurative painting and sculpture that takes place at the Mall Galleries. Furthermore, he has played a promotional role in the Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize since 2009.

Royal commentator
Fitzwilliams frequently contributes on matters related to the British royal family to various news outlets such as CNN, BBC News Channel, BBC Breakfast TV, Sky News, LBC, CTV News, al-Jazeera, ITV News, and the Jeremy Vine show on BBC2. He has served as a live commentator for CNN during several significant royal occasions including weddings, funerals, state visits, and other major events.

Furthermore, Fitzwilliams has provided regular interviews on the Queen's Birthday and New Year Honours Lists for BBC Breakfast TV, BBC News Channel, Sky News, and numerous radio stations. He is also known for delivering lectures on the British honours system. Additionally, he covers the Royal Ascot event for television and radio broadcasts.

In March 2021, Fitzwilliams unknowingly participated in an interview with a fictional news company created by YouTuber pranksters Josh Pieters and Archie Manners. This interview tricked him into giving his reaction to the yet-to-be-aired Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Film critic
Fitzwilliams's film critiques primarily centre around epics, historical films, and movies that revolve around royalty and maritime themes. He has delivered lectures at the National Army Museum, specifically focusing on the depiction of war in films. Additionally, he has provided obituaries for esteemed actors and directors on television and radio platforms.

As a commentator, Fitzwilliams shares insights on films and film awards ceremonies for various news outlets, including CNN, CBS News, BBC News Channel, Sky News, and Al Jazeera. Since 2007, he has been the weekly film reviewer for Talk Radio Europe's programme called "Movies and U," and he regularly contributes reviews to Siren FM, where he also served as a co-presenter from 2011 onwards.

Newspapers and magazines
Since 1997, Fitzwilliams has been a regular contributor to The London and UK Datebook, where he writes the Artscene column. His contributions involve reviewing various arts events in London as well as providing reviews of Royal Ascot and charity events for the publication's Going Places section.

In 2010, Fitzwilliams authored articles that were featured in The Daily Telegraph, The Australian, and The Express. Furthermore, from 1978 to 1980, he wrote regular articles on international affairs for The Evening Post in South Africa.