The former British ambassador to the United States, Sir Christopher Meyer, has died aged 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.
His death was confirmed by current ambassador Karen Pierce on Twitter.
She wrote: “Very sad to see former British ambassador to the US Christopher Meyer has died.
“He was one of my predecessors, but I first met him 30 years ago when we served under Robin Renwick. He was a great diplomat and a great character. All our thoughts are with Catherine and his family.
Reports suggested Sir Christopher had suffered a stroke while on holiday with his wife Catherine Meyer, a Tory peer and the UK’s first-ever trade envoy to Ukraine, in the French Alps.
Tony Blair 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”.
The former prime minister 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.”
Trade minister Penny Mordaunt wrote on Twitter: “A great public servant and friend. I loved his passion for his country, his warmth and humour.”
Sir Christopher released his memoirs, DC Confidential, in 2005 recounting his time as ambassador.
It included sharp criticism of former prime minister, Tony Blair, for his handling of the period leading up to the Iraq War.
Sir Christopher spent 37 years in the British diplomatic service, culminating in his US role, which overlapped with both the Bill Clinton and George W Bush presidencies, 9/11 and wars in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Sierra Leone.
His previous diplomatic roles included serving as ambassador to Germany, and more junior postings in Spain, Brussels, and the former Soviet Union.
In 2018, Sir Christopher was attacked by a 16-year-old boy during an argument on a Tube platform, leaving him unconscious and in hospital for six days with “horrific” injuries.
The teenager lost his temper and pushed Sir Christopher to the floor at Victoria station during a row which erupted when they got in each other’s way at the train doors. The retired diplomat said the attack had been “deeply distressing” for him and had a “lasting emotional impact”.
The boy pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent and was sentenced to a 12-month intensive refferal order and ordered to pay £500 compensation.
