The Foreign Service Institute develops the men and women our nation requires to fulfill our

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Titles 

Forms  of  address  for  foreign  government  officials  and  people  holding  professional, 

ecclesiastical, or traditional titles vary among countries. The correct local usage can be verified 

at  post.  Following  are  titles  for  U.S.  and  some  foreign  officials  that  are  widely  used  in  both 

spoken  and  written  address.  It  is  appropriate  to  begin  letters  and  refer  to  others  directly  and 

indirectly with the following titles. 

 

Diplomatic Titles 

 

Chiefs of Mission 



  Mr. /Madam Ambassador (this also applies to an ambassador with a military title), or 

Ambassador Reed.* 



  Sir Richard—British ambassador who is a knight (Sir Richard's wife would be addressed 

as "Lady Smith.") 



  Lord Montgomery—British ambassador who is a baron 



  Mr./Mrs. Douglas or Ms. Williams—the ambassador's spouse