Christian Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Christian Turner
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Turner in 2020
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| British Ambassador to the United States | |
| Assumed office 2 February 2026 |
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| Monarch | Charles III |
| Prime Minister | Sir Keir Starmer |
| Preceded by | Peter Mandelson |
| Political Director of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office | |
| In office January 2023 – September 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | Rishi Sunak Keir Starmer |
| Preceded by | Tim Barrow |
| British High Commissioner to Pakistan | |
| In office 1 December 2019 – January 2023 |
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| Monarch | |
| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Drew |
| Deputy National Security Adviser and Prime Minister's Adviser on International Affairs | |
| In office April 2017 – July 2019 |
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| Prime Minister | Theresa May |
| Preceded by | General Sir Gwyn Jenkins (Deputy National Security Adviser for Conflict, Stability and Defence) |
| Succeeded by | Sir David Quarrey |
| British High Commissioner to Kenya | |
| In office 2012–2015 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | David Cameron |
| Preceded by | Robert Macaire |
| Succeeded by | Nic Hailey |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Christian Philip Hollier Turner
19 August 1972 |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | Claire Turner |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Marlborough College |
| Alma mater | University of Manchester (BA) University of York (PhD) |
Sir Christian Philip Hollier Turner is a British diplomat. He has been the British Ambassador to the United States since February 2026. He took on this important role after Peter Mandelson's time in the position ended.
Before this, he was the Political Director for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office from January 2023 to September 2025. He is also a Visiting Fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. From 2019 to 2023, he served as the British High Commissioner to Pakistan. He was initially considered for the role of British ambassador to the United Nations in 2025, but was then appointed to Washington instead.
Sir Christian Turner's Journey in Diplomacy
Christian Turner studied at Marlborough College. He then went on to study English literature at the University of Manchester. Later, he earned a PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of York. A PhD is a very advanced university degree. Before becoming a diplomat, he made historical television documentaries.
In 1997, Sir Christian joined the Cabinet Office. This is a part of the UK government that supports the Prime Minister and cabinet. He worked in different departments there. These included the Private Office, the Economic and Domestic Secretariat (which helps manage the country's economy and home affairs), and the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit (a team that helps the Prime Minister plan for the future).
Sir Christian joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 2005. This government department handles the UK's relationships with other countries. At that time, he was a First Secretary at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.. When he returned to London in 2007, he became a Private Secretary (a key assistant) to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. From 2009 to 2012, he was the Director for the Middle East and North Africa. During this period, he worked on issues related to a time of big changes in those regions.
From 2012 to 2015, Sir Christian served as the High Commissioner to Kenya. A High Commissioner is like an ambassador, but for countries within the Commonwealth. While in Kenya, he helped lead the UK's response to the Westgate Mall attack, a serious incident at a shopping mall. He also worked on helping the UK and the Mau Mau group in Kenya resolve past issues.
After returning to the UK in 2016, Sir Christian organized the London Syria Conference for the Prime Minister's office. This conference raised a lot of money to help Syrian refugees. In 2016, he became the Director General for the Middle East and Africa. He then served as Prime Minister Theresa May's international affairs advisor and Deputy National Security Adviser from 2017 to 2019. In this role, he also oversaw the £1.25 billion Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, which helps prevent conflicts and promote peace around the world.
Sir Christian was the High Commissioner to Pakistan from 2019 to 2023. After this, he became the Political Director of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. In May 2025, it was announced that he would become the British ambassador to the United Nations. However, he was also considered for the role of Britain's ambassador to the United States after Peter Mandelson's departure. In December 2025, he was appointed to the US role. He officially started on February 2, 2026, after presenting his credentials to the US Department of State.
Awards and Recognition
Sir Christian has received special awards for his important work. In 2012, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). This is an honour given for service to the UK in a foreign country. He was promoted to Knight Commander of the same Order (KCMG) in 2026. This means he can use the title "Sir." In 2019, he was also made a Freeman of the City of London, which is an honorary title.
About Sir Christian Turner
Sir Christian Turner is married and has two children.
 | Tommie Smith |
 | Simone Manuel |
 | Shani Davis |
 | Simone Biles |
 | Alice Coachman |
