John Margetson facts for kids

Sir John William Denys Margetson (born October 9, 1927, died October 17, 2020) was a very important British diplomat. He worked for his country in many places around the world. He was an ambassador to countries like Vietnam and the Netherlands. He also represented the United Kingdom at the United Nations.

His Early Life and School

John Margetson was born in 1927. He went to Blundell's School. Later, he studied at St John's College, Cambridge University. While there, he was a "choral scholar." This means he sang in the college choir. After college, from 1947 to 1949, he joined the army. This was part of his "National Service." He served with a famous group called the Life Guards. They are part of the Household Cavalry.

Working for His Country

After his time in the army, John Margetson joined the Colonial Service. This group helped manage parts of the British Empire. Later, he moved to the Diplomatic Service. Diplomats are people who represent their country in other nations. They help keep good relationships between countries. From 1966 to 1968, he was a speech writer. He wrote speeches for the Foreign Secretary, George Brown. The Foreign Secretary is a top government official. They are in charge of how the country deals with other nations.

Ambassador to Different Countries

Sir John had many important jobs. From 1978 to 1980, he was the British Ambassador to Vietnam. An ambassador is the main representative of their country in another. Later, from 1983 to 1984, he worked at the United Nations. He was the deputy representative for the United Kingdom. The United Nations is a big organization. Countries around the world work together there. From 1984 to 1988, he became the ambassador to the Netherlands. This is a country in Europe. He received special honors for his work. In 1979, he was made a CMG. This stands for Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. In 1986, he was knighted as a KCMG. This means Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. These honors are given by the King or Queen for great service.

After His Diplomatic Career

After he retired from working for the government, Sir John helped many charities. He was the chairman of the Royal School of Church Music from 1988 to 1994. He also led the Yehudi Menuhin School from 1990 to 1994. This school is famous for teaching young musicians. He also helped manage the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. These are two very important music schools. He was part of the group that ran them from 1991 to 1994. From 1992 to 2002, he had a special role called Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod. This is a ceremonial job in the British Parliament.

His Family Life

In 1963, John Margetson married Miranda Coldstream. She was the daughter of Sir William Coldstream. They had a son and a daughter together. Sir John William Denys Margetson passed away on October 17, 2020. He was 93 years old.