[UK] Message to the South Korean Embassy

[Dutchy]

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Lord Chamberlain's Office
United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland​

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Recipient: Enna Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Jay)
Cc: Lee Baekjung, Chief of European Bureau for Policy & Planning for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea
Subject: Diplomatic Audience
Attachment: -
Classification: SECURE

Mrs Park,

It is with great pleasure that I wish to congratulate you on your appointment as Ambassador to the United Kingdom. As Marshal of the Diplomatic Corp of Her Majesty's Household, I am tasked with carrying out the proper protocol surrounding your appointment.

It is customary for Her Majesty The Queen to receive your credentials during a diplomatic audience, where alongside the official recognition of your position as Ambassador, The Queen and yourself will be able to engage in informal discussions regarding current events which affect our two nations.

I would like to engage with your office in the planning of this diplomatic audience. I have been made aware that you shall be taking up your post on the 14th January, in order to allow you some time to settle in, I wish to recommend the scheduling in of an audience on the 18th January. I wish to state that it is permitted for you to be accompanied by your close family during this ceremonial event.

I shall also summarise the events surrounding an audience. Namely, you shall be escorted from the embassy to The Queen's residence in the State landau with an escort provided by the Household Cavalry. Upon arrival at The Queen's current residence, most likely Buckingham Palace, the Equerry to The Queen shall escort you to the 1844 room where you shall meet The Queen and present your credentials. Subsequently, a short informal discussion shall take place. Upon its conclusion you shall be escorted back to the embassy in the same fashion as your arrival.

Yours Sincerely,

Vice-Admiral Sir James Weatherall KCVO KBE
Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps

 

[Jay]

To: Vice-Admiral Sir James Weatherall KCVO KBE < Lord Chamberlain's Office > < Dutchy > CC: Kimyoungkwon@mofa.kr.gov, Leebaekjung@mofa.kr.gov

From: ParkEunha@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: Diplomatic Audience

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

H.E. Vice-Admiral Weatherall,

Thank you for your response Vice-Admiral Weatherall I appreciate your letter of congratulations and look forward to working in the United Kingdom. I look forward to working with you in order to ensure the successful and eased process. I look forward to carrying out my duties as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, and to promote strong bilateral relationships.

The scheduled audience of January 18th is acceptable, would the meeting be preferred in the morning, afternoon, or evening? I will be accompanied by my husband, Mr. Kim Woonsoo. The last paragraph is well understood. I appreciate the through planning, and look forward to it.

Signed with sincerity,
Eunha Park

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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd​

 

[Dutchy]

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Lord Chamberlain's Office
United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland​

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Recipient: Enna Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Jay)
Cc: Lee Baekjung, Chief of European Bureau for Policy & Planning for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea
Subject: Diplomatic Audience
Attachment: -
Classification: SECURE

Ambassador Park,

The meeting has been scheduled to take place during the afternoon, offering ample time to conduct preparations in the morning. Thank you for informing me that you shall be accompanied by your husband during the ceremony.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Yours Sincerely,

Vice-Admiral Sir James Weatherall KCVO KBE
Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps

 

[Dutchy]

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Lord Chamberlain's Office
United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland​

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Recipient: Enna Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Jay)
Cc: Lee Baekjung, Chief of European Bureau for Policy & Planning for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea
Subject: Diplomatic Audience
Attachment: -
Classification: SECURE

Ambassador Park,

The meeting has been scheduled to take place during the afternoon, offering ample time to conduct preparations in the morning. Thank you for informing me that you shall be accompanied by your husband during the ceremony.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Yours Sincerely,

Vice-Admiral Sir James Weatherall KCVO KBE
Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps

 

[Jay]

To: Vice-Admiral Sir James Weatherall KCVO KBE < Lord Chamberlain's Office > < Dutchy > CC: Kimyoungkwon@mofa.kr.gov, Leebaekjung@mofa.kr.gov

From:ParkEunha@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: RE: Diplomatic Audience

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

Vice-Admiral Weatherall


I likewise look forward to meeting you soon.

Signed with sincerity,
Eunha Park

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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd​

 

[Dutchy]

The Horse Guards Parade was abuzz with activity as the last checks and preparations were made for the diplomatic audience between The Queen and the South Korean Ambassador. The State landau had been thoroughly prepared and gleamed in the afternoon sun. The officers of the Household Cavalry stood beside their beautifully groomed horses ready to escort the carriage throughout the day. Lastly the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch, who were responsible for security and traffic, were ready to provide 360° security.

With everything ready, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, easily identified by his feathered cocked hat, took his place in the lead carriage. The procession made its way from the Horse Guards Parade through the bustling streets of London to the South Korean embassy. Upon arrival, the State landau would come to a halt behind the lead carriage and just in front of the main entrance to the embassy.

The Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps stepped out of the lead carriage and made his way back to the State landau where the footmen had taken their place beside the carriage and held open the door in preparation for the Ambassador. The Marshal stood just in front of them as he waited for the Ambassador to exit the embassy. Upon the arrival of the Ambassador the Marshal stepped forward, “Your Excellency, once you are ready we are prepared to proceed to the Palace,” while gesturing to the State landau.

The footmen would assist the dignitary and their spouse into the State landau, once seated the Marshal joined the dignitary and their spouse in the State landau. The procession now proceeded to make its way from the embassy to Buckingham Palace, with the Metropolitan Police ensuring that their route remained clear. The comfortable journey would take the procession onto Victoria Street, passing past Sir Winston Churchill's statue and onto Parliament Street before reaching Trafalgar Square and turning down the Mall where tourists stood and watched from the sidewalks.

As the procession approached the main gates of the Palace, it’s security began clearing the entrance of tourists and ensuring a proper cordon was in place to keep them at a safe distance. The Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch peeled off from the procession just before entering the gate, as the Household Cavalry and the two carriages proceeded to enter the Palace grounds with the gates closing behind them.

The State landau passed under the principal façade and entered the Quadrangle before pulling up at the Grand Entrance. The carriage footmen remained in their position on the carriage as the palace footmen took over to open the carriage door and assisted with disembarking. “Madam Ambassador, welcome to Buckingham Palace. Please follow me,” the Equerry to The Queen said, taking over from the Marshal before turning to lead the delegation into the Palace.

Entering the Palace they found themselves in the Grand Hall, where they would make the short walk through the Marble Hall and stopped just in front of the '1844 room' which The Queen regularly used to host dignitaries and guests. The Equerry halted the delegation and waited patiently, it was only a minute until a buzzer went off which indicated to the Equerry that The Queen was ready to receive the Ambassador.

The Equerry stepped forward and opened the doors to the room, he stepped forward and bowed his head to The Queen before announcing, “Her Excellency the Ambassador from the Republic of Korea Mrs Eunha Park and Mr Kim Woonsoo, Your Majesty.” It would be customary for the introduced to bow or courtesy as they are introduced. The Equerry gestured to them to step forward towards The Queen who had extended her hand to greet the Ambassador and their spouse.

"Madam Ambassador," The Queen said, "It is a pleasure to be receiving you here today. I am honoured to be accepting your accreditation and allow you to officially begin your duties as Ambassador."

Jay

 

[Jay]

The Ambassador-designated had arrived on January 14th, getting off of her Korean Air flight, she would be greeted by members of her Embassy staff including the Charge D'affaires, her Chief Secretary, and her media secretary. She would also be introduced to the British liaison from the Chief Protocol's Office, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps. She would have her bags already collected by the Embassy staff with their diplomatic handles in line with the protection of diplomatic pouches and would pass through the diplomatic section of the Airport. Her motorcade would be waiting for her, her personal bodyguard from the Embassy and her husband's personal bodyguard would introduce themselves inside the vehicle to reduce the time the Ambassador was exposed outside in the open.

Whilst inside the car, she would be briefed on the current status of ROK-UK relations, updated on the protocols she would have to undertake the next three days before her credential ceremony, and additional information. Whilst she had hoped to enjoy a dinner on the river Thames, it would have to wait. She arrived at the Embassy and formally introduced herself to the embassy staff, and conducted her first morning meeting with her staff to outline regional European policies of importance. The meeting would occur in her office where her department heads had gathered and stood waiting for the Ambassador to arrive and sit. Each sitting according to order of rank, they would also speak in that order as they discussed ROK-UK policy, and for the wider region. She would also be informed of ongoing negotiations for the Nordic Council, albeit still classified by the Foreign Minister herself in a phone-call afterwards. Additionally efforts for the ROK-Ukraine anti-corruption grant, the ROK-Italy strategic partnership, ROK-Germany Free Trade Agreement, and GAPFOR-ROM updates were given by her staff, as these were not at such a highly confidential level as the Nordic Council and US airbase lease were.

Aside from these things, her first three days were uneventful. She was still getting accustomed to the gloomy sky that hung over London like a relic of the industrial era smog that blanketed the city. She told her Chief Secretary to remind her to get vitamin D pills in the next shipment of Embassy supplies. The day before her reception with the Queen, she would have a private luncheon with the outgoing Ambassador as he gave her tips and advise for surviving in the diplomatic environment of London. Over British fish and chips, a local eatery the former Ambassador was a frequent goer, introducing her to the staff there as well.

That night she would be a little be antsy, meeting The Queen of course. She would get some sleep, before waking up and going to her stylist where a traditional Hanbok was prepared for her specifically. Her husband would also receive a special Hanbok, and they would be prepared for meeting The Queen. Sometime in the afternoon, a knock would be placed on the door of the Embassy as she was escorted out of the Ambassadors residence. Introduced to the Marshal, she would thank him and and would get into the procession prepared. Moving across the city, she would see some sites she had hoped to visit prior to meeting The Queen, taking notes on where to visit after. Arriving at Buckingham Palace, she would be led by the British royal officials and entered the room advised. Upon, the recognition of the official name was the Republic of Korea, and thankfully not another diplomatic gaffe of misnaming the Korean Republic as South Korea, she would enter the room and as outlined by diplomatic protocols would curtesy while her Husband would bow respecrfully.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Your Majesty Dutchy .The Ambassador upon the affirmation of The Queen, she would hand over her letter of credence to the Queen. It is an honored to be accepted as Ambassador for my country and represent my people in your country."

 

[Dutchy]

The Queen accepted the official letter of credence and placed it on the small table beside her buzzer. Gesturing at the sofa across from her seat she said, "Please take a seat, would you like any refreshments? A cup of tea perhaps?" Depending on the answer the Equerry to The Queen would walk backwards before closing the door.

Now that the meeting was fully private The Queen asked, "I am most interested in hearing more on what you hope to achieve during your time as Ambassador."

Jay

 

[Jay]

Ambassador Park would take her seat on the couch after The Queen had motioned for her sit there. "Thank you Your Majesty." Sitting respectfully, the Ambassador would accept The Queen's offer for tea. Ambassador Park listened to The Queen. "Thank you your majesty Dutchy. I hope that as Ambassador our two countries will develop a strong relationship that goes beyond the default expectations of relationships between states. The United Kingdom was amongst the many nations who took up arms to aid Korea during the war, and the lives of the 1,100 British soldiers has not eluded our nation ever. We continue to be grateful for your governments longstanding support to Korea. I hope that as Ambassador, I will be able to build upon that unique legacy, and progress our bilateral relations, but most important to me is creating a cultural relationship that will transcend all political and policy disputes, quarrels, and conflicts our two nations may hopefully never have."

 

[Dutchy]

The Equerry, once the doors had closed, informed one of the waiting footmen of the the request for a cup of tea. Inside the room The Queen listened with a keen ear to what the Ambassador had to say, nodding along as the Ambassador went through the topics. "We honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. I can only hope that the cooperation of the past may continue for the decades to come."

As The Queen finished speaking there was a knock at the door, the Equerry would step in alongside a footman who held a silver platter upon which sat a cup filled with hot water and a vast array of flavours for the ambassador to choose. A separate footman approached The Queen and placed her regular cup of Her Majesty's finest Earl Grey on the small table beside her.

"When you mention a cultural relationship, what should I be envisioning?"

Jay

 

[Jay]

Eunha Park [ROK Ambassador]: "Thank you Dutchy, the Ambassador said as she took the green tea and placed it beside her. Waiting for The Queen to drink before the Ambassador would drink. "I hope that our governments can expand opportunities for Korean students to come visit London and study at your prestigious universities. As well as for high school students who are seeking to improve their English through removing the barriers for unaccompanied minors and minors. President Kim also hopes to sign a visa-free agreement between the United Kingdom and Korea to remove all barriers of travel and allow each of our citizens mutually beneficial...I also hope that our cultural ministries could discuss issues of cultural artifacts, addressing issues, and work to expand cultural ties e.g. through museums, language centers, and cultural immersions."

 

[Dutchy]

Before the footmen backed out of the room, a glass of cold water would be placed beside the Ambassador's spouse. With the staff exiting the room the equerry backed off, while always facing The Queen, before closing the door and allowing the discussions to continue in private.

"I can envision such arrangements being beneficial to both our nations, and especially to those interested in expanding their cultural knowledge. I look forward to reading the reports in regards to the discussions between the ministries. I wanted to ask, have you ever been stationed in London before? Or is it your first time here?"

Jay

 

[Jay]

Kim Woonsoo would take the glass and after his wife and queen had drank from heirs would follow suit. "I likewise hope so as well. I believe culture more than anything Your Majesty can help bridge the gaps between East & West and show humanities greatnesses in the arts, music, food, and traditions. Yes Your Majesty, this is my first time here. I have not had the privilege of being stationed in London before. I have been to India, the United States, & China prior however, and I hope I will be able to experience the beauty of your country while I am posted here."

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

The Queen proceeded to take small sips of her cup of tea as she listened to the Ambassador. The Queen perked up when hearing it was the Ambassadors first time to London, "Well, that is wonderful. I hope that you will get the opportunity to explore this lively city. I also wish to offer the suggestion to head north, Scotland has some beautiful landscapes and is the perfect place to go for a walk. One truly feels as if they are one with nature up there."

Jay

 

[Jay]

The Ambassador would occasionally take sips from her tea as well, nodding her head as the Queen spoke. "I will most certainly take advantage of my time here. I shall take your advice and make sure to visit Scotland as soon as possible. The Ambassador smiled as she pictured the walks on the coasts near the water. My husband and I hope to make the best of our time here, and strengthen our relations. I hope that we will not be amongst the few, but the many Koreans who will be able to come and visit your beautiful country."

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"Madam Ambassador, I would like to thank you for you time and I offer you my best wishes as you begin your Ambassadorship. If you have no objection, I believe the palace photographer wishes to take a few quick pictures in order to commemorate this event." The Queen would press her buzzer, rising to her feet, which quickly prompted the Equerry to open the main door, if the Ambassador had not voiced any objections then the equerry ushered in the photographer who would position them for the best shot.

The Queen extended her hand for the Ambassador, "It is a true pleasure to have hosted you." Upon the conclusion of the audience the delegation would be escorted back to the State landau which, along with royal and police escort, would take the Korean delegation back to the Korean embassy.

Jay

 

[Jay]

"I believe that is most appropriate Your Majesty." She and her husband would take the photos with her Majesty before "It was an honor to be able to meet you, Your Majesty." After the audience with The Queen, the Ambassador would return to the Embassy. Official an Ambassador now, she would already have her plate piled up...on her desk a large technical document from Spain...about a naval exercise. She sighed, the fish and chips would have to wait she thought as she picked up the folder and began reading on the briefing in case the British Foreign Ministry called to inquire about it. She would get a copy of the photograph taken with Her Majesty and would place it on her desk. The Korean Embassy's media page would set to release the photo the next day, and worked the message to attach. The Ambassador would ask her chief of staff to find nice coastal areas of Scotland for a future visit. Smiling about the thought before going back to her briefing.