Presenting credentials at the Cotroceni Palace

The post of Ambassador is no ordinary job. For most jobs you do an interview, sign a contract, show up at the office and get down to work. I did an interview for this job, but that was over a year ago in London. Once I was selected for it, I became a piece of protocol in the diplomatic relationship between Romania and the United Kingdom.

The exchange of Ambassadors is one of the essential functions of diplomatic relations, and it is an exchange that takes place between Heads of State. So my appointment first had to be agreed by the Queen and then by the President of Romania. But even then I wasn’t Ambassador in the fullest sense.

The protocol dictates that the new Ambassador should be received by the Head of State and present his credentials. This tradition goes back to the days before e-mail, telephone, fax or even the postal system. The Ambassador would arrive in the country like a postman carrying letters from the sovereign for the receiving Head of State. And especially two letters – one notifying him or her that the Ambassador is empowered to represent the United Kingdom, and the other informing the host Head of State that the Ambassador’s predecessor has been recalled from his or her duties.

So, in my first week in Bucharest, carrying these two letters each embossed with the Royal seal, dressed in my best (in my case my kilt), accompanied by my wife, Deputy Defence Attaché and, creating my own bit of tradition, one of the longest-serving Romanian member of the Embassy’s staff, I went up to the Cotroceni Palace to meet the President.

The ceremony takes place in the Union Hall, and President Basescu has a special skill in both observing the protocol and solemnity of the occasion while making Ambassadors and their spouses feel welcome in Romania and at their ease. It was a really enjoyable occasion, and a substantive one too – we had a good discussion on the relations between our two countries and on international affairs.

When we left the Palace the car was waiting for us and, for the first time, the British flag flying from the front wings, signifying that the Ambassador is now officially Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary…