List of ambassadors of the United States to the United Kingdom
The United States ambassador to the United Kingdom (known formally as, The Ambassador of the United States of America to the Court of St James's)[1] is the official representative of the president of the United States and the American government to the monarch (Court of St. James's) and government of the United Kingdom.[2] The position is held by Jane D. Hartley, who presented her credentials to Queen Elizabeth II on July 19, 2022.[3]
Ambassador of the
United States of America to the
Court of St James's
His or Her Excellency (formal)
Mr. or Madam Ambassador (informal)
President of the United States
with the advice and consent of the Senate
John Adams
(as Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James's)
1785
The position is regarded as one of the most prestigious posts in the United States Foreign Service due to the "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom.[4] The ambassadorship has been held by various notable politicians, including five who would later become president: John Adams, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren and James Buchanan. However, the modern tendency of American presidents (of both parties) is to appoint keen political fundraisers from previous presidential campaigns, despite the importance and prestige of the office.[5]
The ambassador and executive staff work at the American Embassy in Nine Elms, London. The official residence of the ambassador is Winfield House in Regent's Park.[1]
Duties[edit]
The ambassador's main duty is to present U.S. policies to the government of the United Kingdom and its people, as well as report British policies and views to the federal government of the United States. The ambassador serves as a primary channel of communication between the two nations and plays an important role in treaty negotiations.
The ambassador is the head of the United States' consular service in the United Kingdom. As well as directing diplomatic activity in support of trade, the ambassador is ultimately responsible for visa services and for the provision of consular support to American citizens in the UK and oversees cultural relations between the two countries.
List of U.S. chiefs of mission to the Court of St James's[edit]
Ministers (1785–1811)[edit]
Independent
Democratic-Republican
Democrat
Whig
Republican
John Adams is referred to as the first "ambassador".[6] He is also referred to as the first "minister plenipotentiary".[7] Plenipotentiary means "having full power"; a minister that has power to act for their country in all matters.[8]
This article incorporates from U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets. United States Department of State.
