Peter Westmacott

  • British Ambassador to United States (2012-16), France (2007-12) and Turkey (2002-6)
  • Deputy Chief of Staff to Prince Charles and Princess Diana (1990-1993)



The most accomplished British diplomat of his generation, Sir Peter Westmacott was a widely respected and hugely effective Ambassador of the U.K. across the United States, and previously in France and Turkey. He was directly instrumental in ensuring that the 2015 Iran nuclear deal was not voted down by Congress and in getting accession negotiations for Turkey's membership of the EU started a decade earlier. He was closely involved with the promotion of trade and investment and engaged in a number of high-profile corporate regulatory issues. His understanding of the U.S. political scene, and range of contacts within the Administration, on Capitol Hill, and amongst Governors, is second to none. As Ambassador, he spoke frequently to businesses, think tanks, World Affairs Councils, members of Congress and universities, and at events he hosted at the Ambassador’s Residence. He appeared regularly on TV and radio.

 

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Rave Reviews About Peter Westmacott
Peter is a very effective, impressive and interesting speaker. He is knowledgeable, thoughtful and analytical while at the same time, very good at taking the broader view. His command of French and his beautiful British English offer the opportunity of both analogies and comparisons, which, coupled with an exquisite sense of humor and a degree of self-criticism, keep any listener awake even after lunch or a long dinner. I have seen it firsthand and can only recommend him warmly!

A Sample of the Groups That Have Hosted Peter Westmacott
  • The White House
  • International Monetary Fund
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Zulily
  • University of Virginia
  • Harvard Kennedy School
  • Royal Institute of International Affairs
  • Orange County World Affairs Council
  • Economic Club of Chicago
  • BP
British ambassador previews William and Kate's U.S. visit - Get Sharable Link
Explore Talks By Peter Westmacott

Global Challenges Confronting the U.S. and its Allies

The Threat of Isis to Regional Stability and National Security

The Role of Turkey in confronting Isis, The Civil War in Syria, and Europe's Migration Crisis

Prospects for Global Free Trade

The Economic, Political, and Security Implications of the Iran Nuclear Deal

The Future of Europe

Security and Privacy in Today's Digital World

The Case for Diplomacy

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Sir Peter Westmacott became British Ambassador to the United States in January 2012, ending his service in January 2016 after over 40 years as a British diplomat. During his tenure in DC, he promoted trade and investment between the US and UK, political, defense and intelligence links, culture, tourism and higher education.  He engaged closely with the Administration, Congress and the media and travelled extensively across the country.

Before coming back to Washington, where he had already served at the British Embassy in the 1990s, Sir Peter was Ambassador to France from 2007 to 2012, and Ambassador to Turkey from 2002 to 2006. His career in the British Diplomatic Service has also included four years in Iran, three years as Director Americas at the British Foreign Office, and a stint as Deputy Private Secretary to Prince Charles and Princess Diana from 1990 to 1993.