Tammy Sandhu Becomes First Woman from Ethnic Minority Background to Serve as British Ambassador to Holy See

VATICAN CITY, September 2, 2026: Tammy Sandhu MBE has formally presented her credentials to Pope Leo XIV, taking charge as Britain’s new Ambassador to the Holy See.

Sandhu’s appointment marks a milestone in British diplomatic representation at the Vatican, as she becomes the first woman from an ethnic minority background to hold the post.

Her appointment also has a strong Indian connection. Sandhu was born and raised in Leicester to parents who migrated from Punjab to Britain in the 1960s. Her parents established a family business dealing in household goods and manufacturing curtains and bedding before their daughter entered the British diplomatic service.

Sandhu joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2005 and has more than two decades of diplomatic experience. Her career has included postings in Rabat, Brussels, San Francisco and Chennai, where she worked on political and economic affairs, trade, communications and international engagement.

Her assignment in Chennai was particularly significant in the context of her family heritage and the longstanding relationship between Britain and India.

Beyond her diplomatic postings, Sandhu has been involved in efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the British diplomatic service. She chaired the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Committee and later co-chaired the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Race and Ethnicity Network. She was awarded an MBE for services to diversity and inclusion.

In her new role, Sandhu will represent the United Kingdom in its relations with the Holy See and engage with Catholic networks on issues of international concern.

The British Embassy to the Holy See works with the Vatican on a range of global issues, including climate action, modern slavery, conflict resolution, religious freedom, protection of vulnerable people, women’s issues and global peace.

Sandhu has highlighted the importance of engagement with the Holy See, particularly in regions where Catholic and other faith communities play a significant role in social and public life.

Her appointment has also drawn attention to the contribution of Britain’s immigrant communities to public service. Sandhu has spoken of her pride in representing Britain abroad as a British Asian and of her parents’ journey from Punjab to Leicester.

Her diplomatic assignment at the Holy See comes at the intersection of Britain’s foreign policy, its engagement with global faith communities and her own family history linking Punjab, Britain and the wider international community.

Courtesy: Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales