List of ambassadors of the United Kingdom to Spain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain |
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 Alexander Ellis since 2024 |
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| Style | His Excellency |
| Reports to | Foreign Secretary |
| Residence | Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid |
| Appointer | King Charles III |
| Term length | No term fixed |
| Inaugural holder | John Stile First Resident Ambassador to Spain |
| Formation | 1505 Resident Ambassador |
| Website | UK and Spain |
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Spain is a very important person! They are the main representative for the United Kingdom in Spain. Think of them as the UK's chief diplomat, working to keep good relationships between the two countries. Their official title is His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain.
This ambassador also represents the UK in the small country of Principality of Andorra, even though they don't live there. This is called being a "non-resident" ambassador.
Long ago, in 1822, a British government official named George Canning changed the ambassador's role to a slightly less important one. This was because Spain wasn't as powerful on the world stage back then. But by 1887, the role was upgraded back to a full ambassador again.
What is a Head of Mission?
A "head of mission" is the main diplomat in charge of an embassy or diplomatic office in another country. Their job is to represent their home country's interests and communicate with the host country's government.
Over the years, the title for the UK's representative in Spain has changed:
- From 1509 to 1683: They were called an Ambassador.
- From 1683 to 1710: They were called an Envoy Extraordinary. This was a diplomat sent on a special mission.
- From 1711 to 1821: The title went back to Ambassador.
- From 1822 to 1887: They were known as an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. This was a high-ranking diplomat, but still a step below a full ambassador.
- Since 1887: The title has been Ambassador again.
Some British Ambassadors to Spain
Many people have held the important role of representing the UK in Spain over the centuries. Here is a short list of some of them, showing how the role has changed over time.
