Mathew Prichard
Mathew Prichard 
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| Born | 21 September 1943 |
| Birthplace | Cheshire, England, UK |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Literary executor · Trustee · Author |
| Known for | Guardian of Agatha Christie’s literary estate · Chairman of Agatha Christie Limited |
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Mathew Prichard (born 1943) is the grandson of the celebrated crime writer Agatha Christie and serves as the guardian of her literary legacy. He inherited the family holdings following the death of his mother, Rosalind Hicks, and since then has overseen adaptations, publications, and memorial projects connected to Christie’s work.
Early life and family
Prichard was born in Cheshire and is the only child of Rosalind Hicks, Agatha Christie’s daughter. He was raised with a strong awareness of his grandmother’s impact on world literature. As a child, he spent summers at the Greenway Estate in Devon, later inherited by him, where he developed a lifelong connection to his familial heritage.
Steward of the Christie legacy
Upon Christie’s death in 1976, Prichard’s mother inherited a significant share of Agatha Christie Limited, including rights to plays such as *The Mousetrap*. When Rosalind passed away in 2004, Mathew inherited these shares plus Greenway Estate, which he later donated to the National Trust. As chairman of Agatha Christie Limited, Prichard holds a key role in controlling how her works are adapted, published, and promoted. He has been known to safeguard the integrity of Christie’s vision and resist unauthorized or sensational reinterpretations.
Literary and commemorative projects
Prichard championed the erection of the first permanent memorial statue to Agatha Christie in London in 2012, unveiled in Covent Garden to mark the 60th anniversary of *The Mousetrap*. He also oversees the annual Agatha Christie Award in Japan, helping nurture unpublished mystery novelists and coordinate publication of bestseller works. He has curated previously unpublished scripts including the play *Chimneys*, which premiered in the 2000s after rediscovery within Christie archives.
Personal character and philosophy
Described as modest, thoughtful, and protective of the Christie heritage, Prichard has emphasized privacy and fidelity to his grandmother’s original intent. He has expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the stewardship of one of the most beloved authors in history.
Legacy and continuing impact
Mathew Prichard remains the figure most closely associated with the official management of Agatha Christie’s body of work. His stewardship has shaped modern adaptations—on stage, screen, and print—and preserved Christie’s public image. His son, James Prichard, now serves as CEO of Agatha Christie Limited, continuing the family’s role in carrying forward the literary estate.
See also
- Agatha Christie - Rosalind Hicks - Agatha Christie Limited - Greenway Estate