Protocol for Professionals
How to address diplomats, formally:
Updated and expanded (see below)
1️⃣ Ambassadors and High Commissioners
Written: “His/Her Excellency [Full name], Ambassador of [State]”; “His/Her Excellency [Full name], High Commissioner of [State]”. Spoken first address: “Your Excellency”.
In conversation: “Ambassador [Surname]”; “High Commissioner [Surname]”. For example, “Thank you, Ambassador”.
2️⃣ Permanent Representatives (for example, to the UN)
Written: “His/Her Excellency …, Permanent Representative of [State] to [Organisation]”.
Spoken first address: “Your Excellency”. In conversation: “Ambassador [Surname]”.
3️⃣ Apostolic Nuncios
Written: “His Excellency the Most Reverend [Full name], Apostolic Nuncio”.
Spoken: “Your Excellency” or “Archbishop [Surname]”.
4️⃣ Chargé d’Affaires (ad interim or en pied)
Written: “The Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Embassy of [State]” if interim; “The Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of [State]” if en pied.
Spoken first address: “Mr./Madam Chargé d’Affaires”. In conversation: “Mr./Madam [Surname]”.
5️⃣ Deputy Head/Chief of Mission (DHM, DCM; not a rank)
Written: [Mr./Madam Full name], Deputy [Head/Chief] of Mission, Embassy of [State].
Spoken: by their rank if you know it (example: “Counsellor [Surname]”) or (safer) “Mr./Madam [Surname]”.
6️⃣ Consuls General, Consuls
Written: “Consul General [Full name]”. Spoken: “Consul General [Surname]”, or “Mr./Madam [Surname]” The same formula for Consuls.
7️⃣ Military Attachés
Written: typically rank comes first. For example, “Colonel [Surname], Defence Attaché”. Some nations place function first: “Army Attaché Colonel [Surname]”. Spoken: address by rank, for example “Colonel [Surname]”.
While these rules are standard, some countries, regions, and organisations have unique practices. Examples:
EU ambassadors-equivalent are formally titled “Head of Delegation.” They are universally accorded the rank, precedence, and forms of address of an Ambassador. Address them as “Your Excellency” or “Ambassador [Surname]”.
In many Middle Eastern states, the title “His Excellency” or “Your Excellency” is often applied to high-ranking government officials (such as Ministers), not just ambassadors, and may be used for a wider range of diplomatic staff as a sign of respect.
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, a rank just below Ambassador, is used by Japan and others. In conversation, the correct address is “Minister [Surname]” or “Mr./Madam [Surname]” not the full, lengthy title.
Golden Rule: practice varies by country, organisation, and personality. When stakes are high, don’t guess. Check with the mission or protocol department.
Downloadable PDF: full version, updated and expanded, titles explained, with meetings and multilateral rooms, gender, spouses and name, plus clergy and royalty. Included with this week's AAL Gazette.
