Ambassador of the United States to the United Kingdom |
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Seal of the United States Department of State |
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Residence | Winfield House |
Nominator | Barack Obama |
Inaugural holder | John Adams as Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James's |
Formation | 1785 |
Website | US Embassy - London |
The office of United States Ambassador (or formerly Minister/Envoy Extraordinary) to the United Kingdom (known formally as Ambassador to the Court of St. James's) was traditionally, and still is very much so today due to the Special Relationship, the most prestigious position in the United States Foreign Service.[1] The ambassadorship has been held by various notable politicians, including five who would later become presidents: John Adams, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren and James Buchanan.
The ambassador and the embassy staff at large work at the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square, London. The official residence of the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Court of St. James's is Winfield House in Regent's Park.
Note: John Adams became so frustrated with his cool reception at the court that he closed the legation in 1788 and the post remained vacant for four years.[2]
Note: The United States severed relations with the United Kingdom on the outbreak of the War of 1812 - Normal relations were restored in 1815.[2]