Michael Palliser facts for kids

Sir Arthur Michael Palliser (born 9 April 1922, died 19 June 2012) was an important British diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations, helping to build good relationships and solve problems. Sir Michael served as the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs from 1975 to 1982. This was a very senior role, meaning he was in charge of the UK's diplomatic service and advised the government on foreign policy.

Early Life and War Service

Michael Palliser was born in Reigate, Surrey. His father was Admiral Sir Arthur Palliser. He went to school at Wellington College and then studied at Merton College, Oxford.

During World War II, he joined the army. He became a Second Lieutenant on 21 November 1942 and served in the Coldstream Guards, a famous British Army regiment.

A Career in Diplomacy

After the war, in 1947, Sir Michael joined the British Diplomatic Service. This meant he worked for the UK government, representing Britain around the world. He held many important jobs both in the UK and in other countries.

Some of his key roles included:

• Leading the Policy Planning Staff, where he helped plan Britain's foreign policy.
• Serving as Private Secretary to the prime minister, meaning he worked closely with the prime minister on important matters.
• Working as a Minister at the British Embassy in Paris, France.
• Being an Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the European Communities. This meant he was Britain's top representative to a group of European countries, helping to manage relationships and agreements.

From 1975 to 1982, he held the very top job in the Diplomatic Service: Permanent Under-Secretary of State and Head of the Diplomatic Service. This made him the most senior diplomat in the country.

In 1982, during the Falklands War, he became a special adviser to the Prime Minister. He helped the government during this important time.

Later Life and Achievements

After his diplomatic career, Sir Michael continued to serve. In 1983, he became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of senior advisors to the King or Queen.

He also joined the business world. He worked for a London investment bank called Samuel Montagu & Co. He became the chairman of this bank from 1984 to 1993.

Sir Michael was also involved in other important organizations. From 1983 to 1992, he was a director for several industrial companies. He also served on the board of the Royal National Theatre from 1986 to 1994, which is a famous theatre in London.

Personal Life

In 1948, Sir Michael married Marie Marguerite Spaak. Her father, Paul-Henri Spaak, was a well-known Belgian statesman. Sir Michael and Marie had three sons: Anthony, who became a painter; Peter, who became a screenwriter; and Nicholas, who works as a communication executive consultant.

Honours

Sir Michael received several important honours for his service:

• Knight of the Order of Orange Nassau with Swords (1947)
• Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (1966)
• Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (1973)
• Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (1977)
• Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council (1983)