Charles Johnston (diplomat) facts for kids
Sir Charles Hepburn Johnston (born March 11, 1912 – died April 23, 1986) was an important British diplomat. He also had a special talent for translating Russian poetry. He was known for his work in many countries around the world.
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A Life of Service
Charles Johnston was born in London, England, in 1912. He went to Winchester College and Balliol College, Oxford for his education. After finishing school, he joined the Diplomatic Service in 1936. This meant he would represent Britain in other countries.
His early career took him to many places. He worked in Tokyo from 1939 to 1941. Later, he served in Cairo (1945–1948) and Madrid (1948–1955). He also led the department for China and Korea in London from 1952 to 1954. Before his first big role, he was a counsellor in Bonn, Germany, from 1954 to 1955.
Important Roles Abroad
His first major job was as the British Ambassador to Jordan. He served there from 1956 to 1959. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat representing their country.
After Jordan, he became the Governor of Aden and the High Commissioner for the Protectorate of South Arabia. This was a very important role from 1959 to 1963.
His last major posting was as the High Commissioner to Australia. He worked in Australia from 1965 until he retired in 1971.
Life After Retirement
After retiring, Sir Charles became a director for several companies. He also continued his passion for writing. He published books of both prose (regular writing) and poetry.
One of his most famous works was translating Eugene Onegin. This is a long novel written in verse by the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. Sir Charles worked hard to keep the poem's special "Onegin stanza" form in English. His translation was published in 1977.
Awards and Honours
Sir Charles Johnston received several important awards for his service. These honours recognized his dedication and hard work as a diplomat.
He was given different levels of the Order of St Michael and St George. He became a Commander (CMG) in 1953, a Knight Commander (KCMG) in 1959, and finally a Knight Grand Cross (GCMG) in 1971. The "Knight" titles meant he could use "Sir" before his name.
He was also named a Knight of the Venerable Order of St John (KStJ) in 1960.
Family Life
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On April 22, 1944, Charles Johnston married Princess Natasha Bagration. She was a member of the Georgian royal Bagrationi dynasty. Her family had a long history, and she was even a great-great-granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. Her mother was Princess Tatiana Constantinovna of Russia.
Sir Charles Johnston passed away in London on April 23, 1986.
