Tributes to UK’s ‘formidable diplomat’ Sir Christopher Meyer after death aged 78
He is reported to have suffered a stroke while on holiday with his wife Catherine in the French Alps.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former British ambassador to the United States Sir Christopher Meyer has been described as a “dedicated public servant” and “formidable diplomat” following his death at the age of 78.
Sir Christopher served in the post for six years from 1997, and had previously been press secretary to Conservative prime minister John Major between 1994 and 1996.
He is reported to have suffered a stroke while on holiday with his wife Catherine in the French Alps.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “saddened” to hear the news.
He tweeted: “He was a dedicated public servant throughout his career and devoted his life to international diplomacy.
“My thoughts are with his wife Catherine and his loved ones”.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said Sir Christopher was a “formidable diplomat, who strengthened the UK/US special relationship and a man of great acumen, wit and wisdom”.
Trade minister Penny Mordaunt praised the diplomat for his “passion for his country, his warmth and humour”, while the current ambassador, Karen Pierce, said he was “a great diplomat and a great character”.
Sir Christopher served as ambassador to Germany before he became the ambassador to the US in 1997.
His time in Washington DC covered the 9/11 attacks and the invasion of Afghanistan.
Recounting his time in post in his memoirs DC Confidential, released in 2005, he claimed he was instructed by Jonathan Powell, Sir Tony Blair’s chief of staff, “to get up the arse of the White House and stay there”.
The memoirs also included sharp criticism of Sir Tony for his handling of the period leading up to the Iraq War.
In a tribute, Sir Tony described Sir Christopher as a “distinguished diplomat who played an essential role building relationships for the new Labour Government, first in Germany and then later with the USA”.
He added: “This became particularly important following the attacks on America on 9/11 when thousands of Americans lost their lives to terrorism.
“He was crucial during this time in keeping strong bonds between the UK and the USA.
“My deep condolences and sympathy to Catherine and his family.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, tweeted: “We’re sad to learn of the death of Sir Christopher Meyer, former British diplomat and ambassador to the United States.
“We pay tribute to his years of service at the Foreign Office.
“Our thoughts are with his family.”
Sir Christopher is survived by wife Catherine, Conservative peer Baroness Meyer, who is the Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Ukraine.