United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom

Ambassador of the United States to the Court of St James's

Incumbent
Matthew Barzun

since August 1, 2013
Residence Winfield House
Nominator Barack Obama
Inaugural holder John Adams
as Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James's
Formation 1785
Website US Embassy – London

The United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom (known formally as Ambassador to the Court of St James's) is the official representative of the President of the United States to the head of state of the United Kingdom. The position is regarded as the most prestigious position in the United States Foreign Service due to the Special Relationship.[1] The ambassadorship has been held by various notable politicians, including five who would later become presidents: John Adams, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren and James Buchanan. The modern tendency of American presidents (of both parties) is however to appoint keen political fundraisers from previous presidential campaigns, despite the importance and prestige of the office.

The ambassador and the embassy staff at large work at the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square, London. The official residence of the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Court of St. James's is Winfield House in Regent's Park.

Ministers Plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James's, 1785–1811

Note: John Adams became so frustrated with his cool reception at the court that he closed the legation in 1788 and the post remained vacant for four years.[2]

Note: The United States severed relations with the United Kingdom on the outbreak of the War of 1812 – Normal relations were restored in 1815.[2]

Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James's, 1815–1893

Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James's, 1893–present

Ambassadors who later became U.S. presidents

See also

Footnotes

  1. Collier, Peter; Horowitz, David (2002). The Kennedys: An American Drama. p. 6.
  2. 1 2 "United Kingdom". Diplomatic History of the United States. U.S. Department of State. Retrieved May 30, 2011.

Additional sources consulted

Further reading

External links

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