ONE of the UK’s leading national newspaper cartoonists has chosen to shine a spotlight on Richmond in a cartoon depicting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in a relaxed chat with the Queen.

In the cartoon, ignoring all that the couple have enjoyed throughout the year, at the front of the Queen’s thoughts is Richmond’s shortlisting in the Great British High Street Awards.

Neil Kerber has created only two cartoons for this year’s awards.

Marcia McLuckie, chairman of the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association said she was pleased and flattered by the attention

She said: "When I spoke with Neil on the phone I asked why he had selected Richmond, he said it is a lovely town to visit and he has been here frequently."

Mr Kerber is best known for his topical cartoons published in the national press and the long-running Supermodels strip in Private Eye.

He also has regular slots in glossy magazines including GQ and Vogue.

The town is preparing to greet the judges when they visit on Wednesday, October 17, at the Kings Head Hotel at 12.50pm.

The public vote accounts for 30 per cent of the final scoring, with 70 per cent decided by the judges.