Rory Lewis: Portrait & Headshot Photographer

Field Marshal

Field Marshal Lord Richards — Portrait Sitting for Heroes in Focus

October 16, 2025 in Military Portrait, London, Key Event, Jottings, Field Marshal, Featured Sitting, Army General, Works, Top Moment, Top Clients, Portraiture

Field Marshal Lord Richards — Portrait Sitting for Heroes in Focus

Field Marshal David Julian Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL—appointed Honorary Field Marshal by His Majesty The King in June 2025—sat for my non-profit archive, Heroes in Focus, on Monday, 6 October 2025. This portrait marks a significant addition to our mission to document the living history of Britain’s senior military leadership.

Field Marshal The Lord Houghton of Richmond Portrait Sitting

October 15, 2025 in Field Marshal, Featured Sitting, Military Portrait, Portraiture, Top Moment, Top Clients, Soldiery, Charity, Jottings, London, Los Angeles, New York, Works, Britannia

Field Marshal The Lord Houghton of Richmond Portrait Sitting

My first portrait of Lord Houghton was taken in 2014 when he was Chief of the Defence Staff. Over a decade later, photographing him again as Field Marshal felt like closing a chapter — capturing the passage of time, service, and quiet dignity that defines a lifetime of leadership.

Lord Guthrie Retires as Gold Stick as Princess Anne Carries on the Tradition at King Charles III's Coronation

May 07, 2023 in Royal Portrait, Portraiture, New York, Los Angeles, London, Army General, Military Portrait, Soldiery, Field Marshal

Lord Guthrie Retires as Gold Stick as Princess Anne Carries on the Tradition at King Charles III's Coronation (London Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis)

Lord Guthrie, a highly respected British military figure, has recently relinquished his role as Gold Stick-in-Waiting to HRH Princess Anne. The Gold Stick is a symbolic position within the British royal household, and its holder is responsible for carrying a golden stick during certain ceremonial events. Princess Anne will now carry out this role during the upcoming coronation of King Charles III.

Lord Guthrie has had a distinguished military career, serving with the Welsh Guards and the Special Air Service. He provided valuable advice to the British government during the Bosnian War and the Kosovo War, and served as Chief of the General Staff and Chief of the Defence Staff.

Lord Guthrie Retires as Gold Stick as Princess Anne Carries on the Tradition at King Charles III's Coronation (London Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis)

In 2012, Lord Guthrie was awarded the Field Marshal's Baton in recognition of his leadership and service. A portrait of him was captured by photographer Rory Lewis, who aimed to recreate the symbolism of the British military uniform, associated with energy, war, danger, strength, and royal power. The portrait, shot from a low angle with harsh lighting to preserve detail, portrays Lord Guthrie as the commander held in immense regard.

The recent coronation of King Charles III was a momentous occasion, steeped in tradition and ceremony. The Gold Stick played a symbolic role during the coronation, representing the royal household's presence and authority. Princess Anne carried the golden stick during the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

Lord Guthrie's retirement from the role of Gold Stick marks the end of an era and the passing of the baton to a new generation. Princess Anne's appointment to the role reflects her status as a senior member of the royal family and her dedication to serving the monarchy.

Lord Guthrie's contribution to the British military and his service to the country have been widely recognized and respected. His portrait, captured by Rory Lewis, serves as a testament to his remarkable leadership and service. As the royal household moves forward into a new era, Lord Guthrie's legacy and the tradition of the Gold Stick will continue to be remembered and celebrated.