London(UK)- Former UK Ambassador to the United States Sir Christopher Meyer died at the age of 78 after suffering a stroke while on holiday with his wife in the French Alps.
Sir Christopher Meyer, Tony Blair’s former British Ambassador to the United States, died at age 78.
Karen Pierce, the UK’s current Ambassador in Washington, confirmed his death on Twitter on Thursday (July 28).
According to the Daily Mail, he had a stroke while on vacation with his wife in the French Alps.
Ms Pierce paid tribute, writing, “He was a great diplomat and a great character,” adding, “All our thoughts are with Catherine and his family.”
During Tony Blair’s presidency, Sir Christopher Meyer held the position for six years, beginning in 1997. He had previously served as press secretary to Conservative Prime Minister John Major between 1994 and 1996.
He played an essential role in providing communication during a momentous period in London-Washington relations, with 9/11, the war in Afghanistan and the Iraq War all taking place during his time in the role.
In 2005 he released his memoirs, DC Confidential, which recounted his time as Ambassador.
The book caused a stir for its sharp criticism of Blair over his handling of the period leading up to the Iraq War. Upon its release, he was criticised by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw for revealing private discussions at a high level.
Sir Christopher Meyer, KCMG was the British Ambassador to Germany and the United States, he is a highly experienced facilitator and one of the world’s most distinguished diplomats.
Aged just 24, Meyer was already entrusted as the third secretary to the British embassy in Moscow. Within a year, he was appointed as the ambassador’s private secretary. From 1970 to 1973, he was the second secretary at the British embassy in Madrid. Then, five years in London saw him, as the head of the Soviet section in the East European and Soviet Department, and then speech-writer to three successive Foreign Secretaries,
After four years in Brussels providing permanent representation to the European Communities, he became a political counsellor at the British embassy in Moscow.
Recognising his deep insights into international trade affairs, the then Foreign Secretary, Lord Sir Geoffrey Howe, appointed him as official Press Secretary. A few years later, he became Press Secretary and official government spokesperson to John Major, the then Prime Minister.
Following a posting in Germany as ambassador, Meyer’s final official diplomatic service saw him rise to become British Ambassador to the United States.
In 2003, Meyer was appointed Chairman of the UK Press Complaints Commission (PCC). He was directly responsible for enhancing the Commission’s profile, independence and credibility.
His highly controversial memoirs, DC Confidential, were partly serialised in The Mail and Guardian. Jim Hoagland, the authoritative Washington Post commentator on foreign affairs, described his book as “thorough” and “credible”.
His second book, Getting Our Way, 500-year history of British diplomacy, was accompanied by a BBC 4 television series. The book was also serialised by the Sunday Times and Daily Telegraph.
Meyer went on to present several television and radio documentaries on diplomacy for the BBC, including Mortgaged to the Yanks, Corridors of Power, How to Succeed at Summits, and Lying Abroad.
The Guardian newspaper called his documentary series for Sky Atlantic: Networks of Power “immensely watchable” and described Meyer himself as “Paxmanesque, quizzical, authoritative and faintly mischievous”
