New Ambassador to Holy See

NIgel Baker OBE MVO

Mr Nigel Marcus Baker OBE MVO has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Holy See.

He will succeed Mr Francis Campbell who has transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Baker will take up his appointment during August 2011.

Mr Baker is a career member of HM Diplomatic Service. He joined the FCO in 1989, since when his career has taken him principally to Central Europe and Latin America, most recently as HM Ambassador to Bolivia. Mr Baker also worked in the Private Office of HRH The Prince of Wales from 2003 to 2006. Between 1996 and 1998 he lived and worked in Italy on an academic sabbatical.

On his appointment as Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Holy See, Mr Baker said: "I am delighted and honoured to be taking up this posting. The last few years have seen the development of a strong and fruitful global partnership between the United Kingdom and the Holy See.

"The historic visit of Pope Benedict XVI in September 2010 reinforced that relationship and opened new avenues for bilateral and multilateral collaboration. I look forward to the challenge of deepening our engagement across the many issues on which we work together."

Nigel Marcus Baker OBE MVO is married to Alexandra (Sasha) Baker. They have one son.

Mr Baker worked at the British Embassy in La Paz, Her Majesty's Ambassador from Oct 2003 - Nov 2006. Before that he he was Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Havana. From Jun 2000 - Apr 2003 he was Assistant Private Secretary to HRH The Prince of Wales. From Jun 1998 - Jun 2000 he was FCO, Head of European Defence Section, Security Policy Department,Mar 1998 - Jun 1998; FCO, UK EU Presidency; Aug 1993 - Jan 1996 British Embassy Bratislava, Deputy Head of Mission Feb 1992 - Aug 1993 British Embassy Prague, Second Secretary (Economic), Jun 1990 - Jun 1991 FCO, Desk Officer, Near East and North Africa Department. He joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in September 1989.

For more information see: http://ukinholysee.fco.gov.uk/en/