Blaise Metreweli facts for kids

Blaise Florence Metreweli (born July 1977) is a British civil servant who works for the government. She is set to become the new head of the Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6, on October 1, 2025.

MI6 is the United Kingdom's foreign intelligence agency, which means its agents work secretly in other countries to protect the UK. The leader of MI6 is known by the codename "C". When Blaise Metreweli takes the job, she will be the first woman ever to hold this important role.

Early Life and Schooling

Blaise Metreweli was born in July 1977 in Brent, London. She is a twin and has three siblings. Her family name, Metreweli, comes from the country of Georgia.

Her father, Constantine Metreweli, was born in Ukraine during World War II and became a very successful doctor called a radiologist. He worked for the Royal Army Medical Corps and several famous hospitals. He was also a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Blaise studied anthropology (the study of human societies and cultures) at Pembroke College, part of the University of Cambridge. She graduated in 1998. While at university, she was a talented rower. In 1997, she was part of the Cambridge University Women's Boat Club team that won the famous Women's Boat Race against Oxford.

A Career in Intelligence

Metreweli joined MI6 in 1999 and has worked as an intelligence officer ever since. Her job has involved working secretly to gather information to keep the UK safe. She has also held high-level director roles at MI5, which is the UK's domestic security agency that works to protect the country from threats at home.

In June 2025, it was announced that Metreweli would become the next chief of MI6, taking over from Sir Richard Moore. As the chief, or "C," she will be the only member of MI6 whose name is known to the public.

A journalist for The Telegraph newspaper described her as being like three famous characters from the James Bond movies all in one:

She's 007, M and Q all rolled up into one.

This means she has the skills of a secret agent (like James Bond), a leader (like M), and a technology expert (like Q).

Honors and Recognition

In 2024, Metreweli was given a special honor called a Companion of the Order of St. Michael & St. George (CMG). This award was given to her by the King for her important work in serving the United Kingdom.

Personal Life

In an interview, Metreweli shared that she has children. She said that her kids figured out on their own that she was a spy!