List of ambassadors of the United Kingdom to the United States facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States of America
Royal arms of His Majesty's Government
Incumbent Sir Christian Turner since February 2026
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office British Embassy, Washington D.C.
Style	His Excellency Mr Ambassador
Reports to	Foreign Secretary
Residence	British ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C.
Appointer	The King on advice of the prime minister
Term length	At His Majesty's pleasure
Inaugural holder	George Hammond First Envoy Extraordinary to US
Formation	1791

The British Ambassador to the United States is a very important diplomat. This person leads the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.. The embassy is the official office for the United Kingdom in the United States. The ambassador's full title is His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to the United States of America.

The ambassador lives in a special house in Washington, D.C. This house is on Massachusetts Avenue. A famous architect named Sir Edwin Lutyens designed it, and it was built in 1928.

What the Ambassador Does

Being the ambassador to the United States is one of the most important jobs for a British diplomat. It is a very respected role in the British Diplomatic Service.

The ambassador's main job is to explain what the British government believes and plans to the American government and people. They also tell the British government what the American government and people think. They are the main link for talking between the two countries. They also help when the two countries need to agree on important things, like treaties.

The ambassador also leads all the British offices that help people in the United States. These offices are called consular services. They help with things like visas for people visiting the UK. They also help British citizens who are in America if they need support. The ambassador also helps build good relationships between British and American cultures.

A Look Back: The Ambassador's History

The first British diplomat sent to the United States was Sir John Temple. He became the consul general in 1785. He worked from New York.

In 1791, George Hammond became the first official "Minister in Washington." At that time, the United States was a new republic. So, Britain sent a "minister" instead of an "ambassador." This was a common practice for new countries.

An important moment happened in 1809. David Erskine, a British diplomat, and President James Madison tried to solve disagreements about shipping. However, the British King, King George III, did not agree with their solution. Erskine was then called back to Britain.

By the 1850s, the British diplomat was called an "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary." Britain also had smaller offices, called consulates, in several American cities. In the mid-1850s, there was a disagreement. British consuls tried to find American volunteers for a war. The American government did not like this. President Franklin Pierce asked for the British diplomat, Sir John Crampton, to be sent home. Britain refused. So, in 1856, the American government sent Crampton and other British consuls away. After more talks, Britain was allowed to send diplomats again the next year. Lord Napier became the new minister.

In 1893, the British office in Washington became an Embassy. This meant it was a higher level of diplomatic office. Sir Julian Pauncefote became the first British Ambassador to the United States. His title was "Her Britannic Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States."

Some former Prime Ministers were offered this job, but they all said no. These included the Earl of Rosebery, David Lloyd George, and Sir Edward Heath.

Who Has Served as Ambassador

Over the years, many important people have served as Britain's top diplomat in the United States. Their titles changed as the relationship between the two countries grew.

Early Ministers (1791–1893)

At first, the United States was a new republic. So, Britain sent diplomats with the title of "minister." This was a slightly lower rank than an ambassador.

• 1791–1795: George Hammond (The very first minister)
• 1796–1800: Sir Robert Liston
• 1807–1809: The Hon. David Erskine
• 1815–1820: The Hon. Sir Charles Bagot
• 1889–1893: Sir Julian Pauncefote

Ambassadors (from 1893)

In 1893, the British diplomatic office in Washington became an Embassy. From then on, the top diplomat was called an "Ambassador."

• 1893–1902: Sir Julian Pauncefote (The first British Ambassador)
• 1913–1918: Sir Cecil Spring Rice (Served during World War I)
• 1940–1946: The Viscount Halifax (Served during World War II)
• 1997–2003: Sir Christopher Meyer
• 2003–2007: Sir David Manning
• 2007–2012: Sir Nigel Sheinwald
• 2012–2016: Sir Peter Westmacott
• 2016–2019: Sir Kim Darroch
• 2020–2025: Dame Karen Pierce
• 2025: The Lord Mandelson
• 2025–2026: James Roscoe, Chargé d'affaires ad interim
• 2026–present: Sir Christian Turner (The current ambassador, started in February 2026)

See Also

• United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom
• Canadian ambassadors to the United States – This role became important for Canada after 1926.