THE Queen laughing and looking relaxed aboard the Royal Yacht, Britannia, and a young Prince Charles at Balmoral are just two of the rare photographs on display in a North Yorkshire exhibition.

Beningbrough Hall's Lichfield: A Royal Album display, features portraits and vintage images of the Royal Family behind closed doors or captured at their most relaxed.

All of the photographs are from the portfolio of The Queen's first cousin once removed, Lord Lichfield, and will go on display from today (tues) to November 2.

David Morgan, general manager at Beningbrough, said: "His photographs give a fascinating glimpse into the world of Royalty, and alongside our current display of Royals: then and now, they capture a much more relaxed style of how the Royal Family have been portrayed over the centuries."

The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11am to 5pm.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough or call (01904) 472027.