Patrick Lichfield royal photographs document Queen's long reign

The Queen captured off-duty on the Royal yacht Britannia, by Lord Lichfield

Images taken by royal photographer Patrick Lichfield capture "private and personal" moments from the Queen's reign.

The images are kept at the family home at Shugborough Hall, Staffordshire.

Corinne Caddy, who looks after the collection, said: "I think because Patrick was family he was privy to far more private shots of the Queen."

The Queen becomes the longest-reigning monarch in British history on 9 September.

Lord Lichfield died at the age of 66 in 2005 after suffering a major stroke.

He was the official wedding photographer at the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

The Royal Family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace

He first picked up a camera when he was seven, photographing his family and pets at home at Shugborough Hall.

He started his career as a photographer's assistant on £3 a week.

Preparations for the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer

His career spanned 40 years, and he was known for creating relaxed portraits of celebrities, including many of the Queen.

"He knew her so well that what we see in these images are something a lot more personal," said Ms Caddy.

Many photos taken by Lord Lichfield show the private life of the Queen