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Date Published: 09/09/2024

New British Ambassador Sir Alex Ellis arrives in Spain

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The experienced diplomat is the new UK Ambassador to Spain

New British Ambassador Sir Alex Ellis arrives in Spain

Sir Alex Ellis has officially arrived in Madrid, where he will serve as the new British Ambassador to Spain and Non-Resident Ambassador to Andorra. He takes over from Hugh Elliott, representing His Majesty King Charles III in Spain, with plans to present his credentials to King Felipe VI in a formal ceremony set to take place in the coming weeks.

Ellis expressed his honour at being appointed to the role, stating, “I am honoured to represent His Majesty Charles III and my country as Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. Our countries enjoy a close and enduring relationship across so many areas: between our citizens, our cultures, our armed forces and across the world of academia, science and commerce. I am looking forward to supporting this relationship to become even stronger.”

The ties between the UK and Spain are indeed substantial, both culturally and economically. According to Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), as of December 31, 2022, there were 412,000 British citizens registered as residents in Spain. In contrast, approximately 389,000 Spaniards have chosen to make the United Kingdom their home, according to data from the EU Settlement Scheme.

Tourism is another significant pillar of the relationship. In 2023, 17.3 million tourists from the United Kingdom visited Spain, making up 20% of all international visitors. British tourists alone contributed close to 20 billion euros to the Spanish economy, representing around 1.4% of Spain's GDP. Adding to this, air traffic between the UK and Spain is the most extensive of any international connection, with more flights between the two countries than between any other pair of nations globally.

This is not Ellis’ first diplomatic post in Spain. He previously served in the British Embassy in Madrid in the early 2000s as a counsellor for EU and global issues. His experience in Spain is one of many high-profile roles he has undertaken during his diplomatic career.

Following his first posting in Madrid, Ellis went on to serve as British Ambassador to Portugal and Brazil, and most recently as High Commissioner to India from 2021 to 2024. His career has also included a range of roles in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Cabinet Office, and as Director General at the Department for Exiting the European Union.

In addition to his diplomatic achievements, Ellis has worked closely with European institutions, serving as an advisor to the President of the European Commission. His experience and expertise in European and global matters have been key in shaping his diplomatic approach over the years.

Sir Alex Ellis is married to Teresa Adegas, and has a son, Tomás, who is on the autistic spectrum. Ellis’ extensive professional experience and personal connection to Spain are expected to serve him well in this latest chapter of his diplomatic career.

As he steps into his new role, Ellis is poised to build on the longstanding partnership between Spain and the UK, a relationship that spans a wide array of sectors, including trade, education and culture.

Image: @AlexWEllis / X

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