LONDON, ENGLAND.-Lord Lichfield’s studio announced that the photographer has suffered a stroke and is being treated at London's John Radcliffe Hospital. Lord Lichfield, 66, is the Queen's first cousin once removed. He was staying with friends in the Oxford area when he "developed a sudden illness". Accordng to Lichfield Studios the earl, had family members with him and was waiting for test results. The studio stated, "He has been diagnosed as having had a stroke and is currently admitted to the Stroke Unit."

Lord Lichfield is one of the best known British photographers. Royals ask him to take their pictures very often. In 1981 he took the official wedding photographs of Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer.

Since 1978 he has undertaken the prestigious Unipart Calendar, shot in a number of exotic locations worldwide. Each year sees extensive travel and generally about a quarter of a million miles flown. He has photographed every Royal Family in Europe and many of the world's most beautiful women and has produced books on both these subjects.

He has been awarded Fellowships of both The British Institute of Professional Photographers and The Royal Photographic Society and is a Freeman of the City of London and a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Staffordshire.

He has many business interests including a number of restaurants over the years. He also holds directorships in The Really Useful Shop, Photographic Records Limited and Robin Proctor Design Consultancy Limited. He has an active interest in the community and businesses of his home city of Lichfield. Wood's of Windsor have worked with him to create Lichfield Fragrance which retails both in the UK and abroad and William Grant have also produced Lichfield Gin for international distribution. A number of national and local charities are supported by his Patronage.