Sir Christian Turner KCMG
Biography
Sir Christian Turner was appointed as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States of America on 18 December 2025. Sir Christian formally took up the role on 2 February 2026.
Previously, Christian was Political Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) from January 2023 to September 2025.
Christian was British High Commissioner to Pakistan, from December 2019 to January 2023. Before that, he was the Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser and Deputy National Security Adviser from 2017 to 2019.
He previously served as Director General for the Middle East and Africa, also leading the UK organisation of the London Syria Conference in February 2016. From 2012 to 2015 he was British High Commissioner to Kenya; and from 2009 to 2012 he was FCO’s Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
Between 1997 and 2008 Christian held various positions in the Foreign Office, the Cabinet Office and 10 Downing Street, including as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, as Secretary to the Economic and Domestic Committees of Cabinet, and as First Secretary in the British Embassy in Washington from 2002 to 2006.
Before joining government, Christian made television documentaries, after completing his PhD.
British Ambassador to the USA
The Ambassador represents His Majesty The King and the UK government in the country to which they are appointed. They are responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.
Previous roles in government
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Director General Geopolitics and Political Director
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British High Commissioner to Pakistan
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Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser and Deputy National Security Adviser
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Director General, Political (Acting)
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Director General, Political
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British High Commissioner to Kenya