·       Former British Ambassador to the US receives Freedom of the City of London for outstanding public service and contribution to international affairs

·       Dame Karen Pierce recognised for achievements in senior diplomatic roles in UK, Washington, New York, and Geneva

·       Lady Mayor praises “remarkable and illustrious” career

 

Dame Karen Pierce DCMG has received the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of her outstanding public service and contribution to international affairs.

Regarded as one of the UK’s most senior diplomats and a leading figure in British foreign policy, Dame Karen has the unique distinction of being the first woman to hold the posts of British Ambassador to the United States and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

In March 2025, she was appointed as UK Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, with responsibility for strengthening stability, governance, and Euro-Atlantic integration across the region.

Nominated by Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley, and the City of London Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, Dame Karen attended her Freedom ceremony at Guildhall with family members, friends, and colleagues.

Over a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, Dame Karen has held many of the UK’s most strategically significant diplomatic posts and been praised for repeatedly breaking new ground for women in diplomacy.

Highly experienced in crisis diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and transatlantic relations, her roles have included:

British Ambassador to the United States (2020 – 2025)

·       First woman to hold the post

·       Oversaw UK–US cooperation during a period of major global geopolitical shifts

UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York (2018 – 2020)

·       First woman to serve in this role

·       Led UK diplomacy on global security, humanitarian crises, and multilateral negotiations.

British Ambassador to Afghanistan (2015 – 2016)

·       Managed UK engagement during a critical phase of Afghanistan’s political and security transition

UK Permanent Representative to the UN and WTO in Geneva (2012 – 2015)

·       Directed UK policy on human rights, trade, and global health

Director General for Political Affairs, FCDO (2016 – 2018)

One of the most senior policy roles in the UK diplomatic service.

Speaking after her Freedom ceremony, Dame Karen Pierce, said:

“I am deeply honoured to be made a Freeman, particularly, in the year of Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley. The City is indivisible from the history of the UK more broadly and has always stood for progress.”

Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley, said:

“When reflecting upon Dame Karen Pierce’s achievements on the international stage, the term ‘remarkable’ doesn’t do justice to the breadth and significance of her achievements during an illustrious career spanning over 40 years. A highly respected figure within her field, with vast experience in global politics and diplomacy, it has been our pleasure to welcome Dame Karen to Guildhall to admit her into the Freedom of the City of London, which is richly deserved.”

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:

“Dame Karen Pierce exemplifies diplomacy at its finest, bringing intellect, composure, and conviction to represent her country with clarity and strength. I join the Lady Mayor in praising Dame Karen’s remarkable achievements, both, at home and abroad, and offer my sincere congratulations on her admission to the Freedom.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Recent notable recipients include two-time Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian, Cate Blanchett; best-selling novelist, Ken Follett; artist and President of the Royal Academy of Arts, Rebecca Salter; and Chairman of the Japanese Sumo Association and former professional sumo wrestler, Nobuyoshi Hakkaku.

ENDS 

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