The Queen’s Man appointed

A career diplomat has again been chosen to be The Queen’s Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps in a post that has traditionally gone to military men since the Second World War.

The Queen has appointed Mr Charles Gray CMG, currently serving as Britain’s Ambassador to Rabat, to take over from Sir Anthony Figgis on 1 September 2008.

The 54-year-old Glaswegian will be only the third career diplomat to serve in the position since Sir John Monck, who was appointed Marshal in 1946.

Gray entered the Diplomatic Service in 1974 and his first posting was to Warsaw in 1976. During his 37-year career, he has had appointments in Europe, South East Asia and the US.

A Middle East expert, he was Coordinator for Iran from 2004-05 and headed the Middle East Department from 2002-2004.

He will be the 27th Marshal to wear the chain of office, a position created by James 1, dating back to 1603.

The CV
2004-05 – Iran Coordinator
2002-04 – Head, Middle East Dept
2001-02 – Counter Terrorism Department
1997-2001 – Washington, Counsellor
1996-97 – Harvard University, Fellow
1993-96 – Jakarta, Head of Chancery
1992-93 – Head, Eastern Adriatic Dept
1989-92 – Central European Dept
1989-92 – Central African Dept
1987-89 – Cabinet Office
1983-87 – UKDEL, OECD Paris
1979-83 – East European & Soviet Dept
1976 – Warsaw

Married to Anne-Marie, with three sons
(1995, 1997 and 2000)