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Bryan CartledgeBritish diplomat.
Date of Birth: 10.06.1931
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- British Diplomat with a Distinguished Career
- Education and Early Career
- Ascendancy in Government
- Ambassador in the Soviet Union
- Post-Diplomatic Career
- Personal Life
- Honours and Legacy
British Diplomat with a Distinguished Career
Sir Rodric Braithwaite, a prominent British diplomat, led a multifaceted career filled with significant contributions.
Education and Early Career
Braithwaite received his education at Hurstpierpoint College and St. John's College, Cambridge University. Upon graduating, he embarked on his diplomatic journey in 1975 as Head of the Eastern Europe and USSR Department within the UK Foreign Office.
Ascendancy in Government
Braithwaite's rise within the UK government continued rapidly. From 1977 to 1979, he served as Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister. In 1980, he was appointed British Ambassador to Hungary, a position he held until 1983.
Ambassador in the Soviet Union
In 1985, Braithwaite was bestowed with the prestigious role of British Ambassador to the Soviet Union. During his tenure, he witnessed significant events unfolding within the USSR. Upon leaving his post in August 1988, he penned a final report-forecast to the Foreign Office, in which he notably did not anticipate any radical changes in the Soviet Union in the near future.
Post-Diplomatic Career
After retiring from diplomatic service in 1988, Braithwaite assumed the role of Rector of Linacre College, Oxford, where he served until 1996. Subsequently, he retired from active public life.
Personal Life
Braithwaite married Ruth Hylton Gass in 1960, with whom he had a son and daughter. After their divorce in 1994, he remarried neuropsychologist Freda Gladys Newcombe in the same year.
Honours and Legacy
Braithwaite was knighted with the Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. In 2004, he joined a group of former British ambassadors in publicly criticizing Tony Blair's stance on the Arab-Israeli conflict and military presence in Iraq. Braithwaite's contributions to British diplomacy and his incisive insights continue to be highly regarded today.
