the black knight

Richard's smile through the years (l-r) Sunday Times spread (Apr 30, 2006); press interview, The Hobbit (Feb 11, 2011); CinemaCon, Las Vegas (Mar 27, 2014); Jane Hotel promo, Love, Love, Love (Dec 1, 2016); Chris Evans Breakfast Show (Jan 30, 2020); Geneva book tour, Waterstones (Oct 18, 2023); Blooper Reel, It's Not What You Think audiobook (Mar 25, 2026)

Counterclockwise from top left: reading from Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (Nov 2, 2024); in Edinburgh discussing The Cut with The Scotsman (Oct 1, 2024); promoting Geneva at Kibworth Books, Leicester (Sep 17, 2024); at German Film & Comic Con (Dec 6-7, 2025).

#OTD in 2010:

Beth: “Harry, there’s someone to see you.”

Harry: “Malcolm.”

Malcolm: “Hello, Harry.”

Harry: “What are you doing here?”

Malcolm: “Sorry. Bit dramatic to turn up in person, I wasn’t sure if comms were secure.”

Harry: “Why wouldn’t they be?”

Malcolm: “I had a visit.”

Harry: “From who?”

Malcolm: “From Lucas, I’m afraid. He wanted a file. Gave me a story about you being in trouble. Didn’t ring true.”

Harry: “When was this?”

Malcolm: “Three days ago.”

Harry: “And you’re only coming to me now?”

Malcolm: “I was following your protocol. Not easy to stay on the move for three days, although I did get to see the Highlands at last.”

Harry: “You’re talking about Albany.”

Lucas: “Harry.”

Harry: “Lucas, where are you? You were supposed to stay in contact.”

Lucas: “Let’s not pretend, Harry.”

Harry: “I’ll get you a deal. Whatever it takes.”

Lucas: “Now, who’s the liar?”

Harry: “No. You were foolish but you’re invaluable to me.”

Lucas: “I’m sorry, Harry. I really am.”

Harry: “Don’t do this, Lucas. Please.”

Lucas: “Lucas North is dead.”

Richard at Waterstones Piccadilly, London. (May 27, 2026)