Antony Acland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Antony Acland
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Acland in 1987
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| British Ambassador to the United States | |
| In office 1986–1991 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| President | |
| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | Sir Oliver Wright |
| Succeeded by | Sir Robin Renwick |
| Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 1982–1986 |
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| Foreign Sec. | |
| Preceded by | Sir Michael Palliser |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Wright of Richmond |
| British Ambassador to Spain | |
| In office 1977–1980 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by | Sir Charles Wiggin |
| Succeeded by | Sir Richard Parsons |
| British Ambassador to Luxembourg | |
| In office 1975–1977 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by | John Roper |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Wright of Richmond |
| Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary | |
| In office 1972–1975 |
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| Foreign Sec. |
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| Preceded by | John Graham |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Barrett |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Anthony Arthur Acland
12 March 1930 |
| Died | 8 September 2021 (aged 91) |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouses |
Clare Anne Verdon
(m. 1956; died 1984)Jennifer McGougan
(m. 1987) |
| Education | Eton College |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
| Awards | |
Sir Antony Arthur Acland (born March 12, 1930 – died September 8, 2021) was a very important British diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He also served as the provost of Eton College, which is like the head of a famous school.
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Antony Acland's Early Life
Antony Acland was the second son of Bridget Susan and Brigadier Peter Acland. He went to Eton College, a well-known boarding school. In 1948, he joined the Royal Artillery for a short time.
After his army service, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford University. He earned a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. In 1953, he finished university and began working for the Foreign Office. This is the part of the government that handles relationships with other countries.
His Career as a Diplomat
Antony Acland had a long and impressive career. He worked in many different roles around the world.
Early Diplomatic Roles
He first studied at a special center for Arab studies. Then, he was sent to work in Dubai and Kuwait. Later, he returned to the Foreign Office in London.
From 1959 to 1962, he was an assistant to the Foreign Secretary. This is the government minister in charge of foreign affairs. He worked with Selwyn Lloyd and Lord Home.
Working for the United Nations
After that, he worked for the United Kingdom's team at the United Nations. He was in New York City from 1962 to 1966. Then, he moved to Geneva, Switzerland, from 1966 to 1968.
Leading Departments
Back in London, at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), he led the Arabian department from 1970 to 1972.
From 1972 to 1975, he was the main private secretary to the Foreign Secretary. He worked closely with Sir Alec Douglas-Home and James Callaghan.
Becoming an Ambassador
Sir Antony then became an Ambassador. This means he was the official representative of the UK in another country.
- He was the British Ambassador to Luxembourg from 1975 to 1977.
- He was the British Ambassador to Spain from 1977 to 1979.
Top Roles in the FCO
From 1979 to 1982, he was a Deputy Under-Secretary at the FCO. During this time, he also led the Joint Intelligence Committee. This committee helps the government understand global events.
In 1982, he became the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. This was the most senior civil servant in the Foreign Office. He was also the head of the Diplomatic Service.
Falkland Islands Discussion
In April 1982, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands. Sir Antony had strong discussions with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher about how to respond. At one point, he even offered to resign. But Thatcher decided to listen to his advice instead.
Ambassador to the United States
From 1986 to 1991, Sir Antony was the British Ambassador to the United States in Washington, D.C. This is a very important diplomatic role.
Provost of Eton College
After retiring from his diplomatic career in 1991, he became the Provost of Eton College. He held this position until 2000. The Provost is the head of the governing body of the school.
He also helped raise money for the Rothermere American Institute at Oxford University. This institute studies American history and politics.
Special Awards and Honours
Sir Antony Acland received many special awards for his service. These awards are given by the Queen to people who have done great things for their country.
- In 1976, he became a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
- Later that year, he was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. This meant he could use the title "Sir."
- In 1982, he received another knighthood, becoming a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.
- In 1986, he was promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.
- In 1991, he became a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
- From 1994 to 2005, he was the Chancellor of the Order of St Michael and St George.
- In 2001, he received a very special honour: he was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Garter. This is one of the oldest and most important honours in Britain.
Personal Life
In 1956, Antony Acland married Clare Anne Verdon. They had a daughter and two sons. Sadly, Clare passed away in 1984. In 1987, he married Jennifer McGougan.
Sir Antony Acland died in September 2021, at the age of 91.
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Images for kids
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Acland in 1987
