List of ambassadors of the United Kingdom to France facts for kids
Quick facts for kids  British Ambassador to France L'Ambassadeur britannique en France |
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 Menna Rawlings since 9 August 2021 |
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| Style | Her Excellency |
| Reports to | Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs |
| Residence | Hôtel de Charost |
| Seat | Paris, France |
| Appointer | The Crown on advice of the Prime Minister |
| Term length | At His Majesty's pleasure |
| Inaugural holder | The Marquess Cornwallis (first ambassador of the United Kingdom to France, 1801) |
| Website | British Embassy - Paris |
The British Ambassador to France is the United Kingdom's main representative in France. This person leads the UK's diplomatic mission (like a special office for international relations) in Paris. Their official title is His Majesty's Ambassador to France.
This job is usually seen as one of the most important roles in the British foreign service. However, in the past, there were times when the UK didn't have an ambassador in France. This happened during wars between the two countries or when France was occupied, like during World War II.
The British Embassy in Paris also helps with relations in France's overseas territories. These include places like French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, and New Caledonia. It also covers Monaco, a small country near France.
Besides the main embassy, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (the UK government department for foreign affairs) has smaller offices called consulates. These are located in Bordeaux and Marseille in southern France.
Contents
What Does a British Ambassador Do?
A British Ambassador acts as a direct link between the UK government and the government of France. They work to keep good relationships between the two countries. This includes talking about trade, security, and cultural exchange. They also help British citizens living or traveling in France.
The Ambassador's Home in Paris
The official home of the British Ambassador in Paris is called the Hôtel de Charost. It's a beautiful historic building in the heart of the city. This residence is used for official meetings and events. It helps the ambassador carry out their important duties.
A Look at Past British Ambassadors
The role of the British Ambassador to France has a long history. Before 1801, when the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was created, there were representatives from England and Great Britain. You can learn more about them in the List of ambassadors of the Kingdom of England to France (before 1707) and List of ambassadors of Great Britain to France (1707 to 1800).
Important Moments in Ambassador History
There have been times when the UK didn't have an ambassador in France. For example, there was no representation from 1792 to 1801 because of the French Revolutionary Wars. Later, from 1803 to 1814, there was another break due to the Napoleonic Wars. During these periods, relations were difficult or impossible.
Another gap happened from 1940 to 1944. This was during the Second World War, when Germany occupied France. After the war, Sir Duff Cooper became the ambassador. He had previously represented the UK to the Free French government.
Recent British Ambassadors
Here are some of the people who have held this important role in recent times:
- 1996–2001: Sir Michael Jay
- 2001–2007: Sir John Holmes
- 2007–2012: Sir Peter Westmacott
- 2012–2015: Sir Peter Ricketts
- 2016–2016: Sir Julian King
- 2016–2021: Edward Llewellyn, Baron Llewellyn of Steep OBE
- 2021–present[update]: Dame Menna Rawlings
See also
- France–United Kingdom relations
- List of ambassadors of France to the United Kingdom since 1803
- Timeline of British diplomatic history
