Embassy of Germany, London Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Embassy of Germany in London

Location	Belgravia, London
Address	23 Belgrave Square/Chesham Place, London, SW1X 8PZ
Coordinates	51°29′54″N 0°09′15″W / 51.49825°N 0.15425°W / 51.49825; -0.15425
Ambassador	Miguel Berger

The Embassy of Germany in London is Germany's official home in the United Kingdom. It's like a special office where German diplomats work to keep good relations between Germany and the UK. The embassy is located in a fancy area called Belgravia, at Belgrave Square. It uses three old houses and a newer building that was added later.

History of the Embassy
- After World War II
List of German ambassadors to the United Kingdom
Images for kids
See also

History of the Embassy

The German Embassy, around 1930

Prussian Legation Act 1850
Act of Parliament
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long title	An Act to authorize the Purchase by the Prussian Minister of a Residence in England for the Use of the Prussian Legation, and to regulate the future holding of the same.
Citation	13 & 14 Vict. c. 3
Dates
Royal assent	15 July 1850
Text of statute as originally enacted

The story of the German Embassy in London began a long time ago. In 1842, a diplomat named Christian Charles Josias von Bunsen rented a house at 4 Carlton House Terrace. This was for the Prussian Legation, which was like an early version of the German Embassy.

In 1849, the legation moved to a bigger house nearby, at 9 Carlton House Terrace. This new place was even called 'Prussia House'. To buy this building, a special law was needed in 1850. It was called the Prussian Legation Act 1850. This law was important because, back then, only British citizens could legally own property in England.

Count Bernstorff took over from Baron von Bunsen in 1855. He later became the German Ambassador in 1867.

During the First World War (1914-1918), the embassy building was looked after by other countries. From 1916 to 1917, the American Embassy took care of it. Then, from 1918 to 1920, the Swiss Legation was in charge. In 1921, the German Embassy was able to move back in.

In the 1930s, there were some concerns about activities linked to the German Embassy in London. In 1937, the Ambassador, Joachim von Ribbentrop, held a big party to celebrate the embassy's reopening after a major renovation. Many important people attended, including Prince George, Duke of Kent, and his wife. When World War II started in September 1939, the German Embassy quickly destroyed its files.

After World War II

During World War II, the embassy building stayed closed but was kept safe. After the war ended, Germany was divided, and its properties were taken over by the countries that won the war. The old 'Prussia House' was taken as enemy property. Its furniture and artwork were sold off.

In 1951, West Germany (which was one part of Germany after the war) opened its consulate in Belgrave Square. A consulate helps citizens from its country with things like passports and visas. This consulate became a full embassy in June 1951. In 1953, West Germany leased the building for 99 years. In the 1960s, people sometimes protested at the West German Embassy. They were concerned about certain issues in Germany.

By the 1970s, the embassy needed more space for its offices. So, a new building was added at Chesham Place. This extension opened in 1978 and even won an award for its design.

In 1990, East and West Germany became one country again, which is called German reunification. After this, the former East German embassy building, also located at 34 Belgrave Square, became part of the larger German Embassy.