How to Address an Ambassador: Excellency or Honorable?
I see ambassador's names written as "The Honorable (full name)" and as "His Excellency (full name)". Which is correct? The ambassador who is coming is the French Ambassador. How should I write his name?
~ The Diva of Diplomats
Dear Diva:
An ambassador of the United States is addressed by US citizens as:
The Honorable (full name)
The Ambassador of the United States of America
(Address)
An foreign ambassador to the United States is addressed by US citizens as:
His/Her Excellency (full name)
The Ambassador of (official name of country)
(Address)
So in this case, a French Ambassador in the United States would be addressed as:
His Excellency (full name)
The Ambassador of the French Republic
(Address)
-- Robert Hickey
Do I Address an Ambassador as Your Excellency?
Help! I have a meeting with a foreign ambassador tomorrow. I have written to him several times, so I know he's an "Excellency"? When we meet, do I say nice to meet you? or honored to meet you? Do I address him in person as Mr. Ambassador or Your Excellency? NO GUESSES PLEASE! I can't afford to make a fool of myself. Only answer if you are really sure.
~ Alex Mezo
Dear Mr. Mezo:
Any of the replies to your introduction are fine. It's a pleasure to meet you is also good.
In conversation call him Your Excellency or Mr. Ambassador or even Ambassador (Surname).
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address an Ambassador and Her Husband?
What is the proper form of address for an American ambassador-at-large, who is a woman, and her husband? Is it:
The Honorable Jane Doe and Mr. John Doe
or The Honorable Jane Doe and Mr. Doe?
Also, how about the salutation? Is it:
Dear Ms. Doe and Mr. Doe
or Dear Ms. and Mr. Doe?
Is that covered in your book? Thanks!
-- AC in NYC
Dear GB:
Yes, I have a chapter on joint forms of address. This combination is covered on page 145. The correct address would be:
The Honorable Jane Doe and Mr. John Doe
... because men get their full names when their wives name is listed first due to her higher precedence.
For a formal salutation use:
Dear Madame Ambassador and Mr. Doe:
Although using "ambassador" as the honorific would also be O.K.:
Dear Ambassador Doe and Mr. Doe:
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address a Retired US Ambassador?
How do I address (in a letter) an retired American Ambassador?
-- Carol Bentley in the United Kingdom
Dear Ms. Bentley:
A retired US ambassador and a retired UK ambassador are addressed differently .... so I wish everyone tried as hard as you try to get everyone addressed correctly.
A retired US ambassador is addressed on "the envelope" and in "the address block" of the letter as:
The Honorable Carol Bentley
(Address)
And in the salutation or conversation he or she would be addressed as:
Dear Ambassador Bentley,
Use the American spelling of Honorable because it's considerate to present another person's name exactly as they are accustomed to seeing it.
In the US we address anyone who was ever appointed to a position by The President and approved by The US Senate -OR- elected to pubic office by the citizens as "The Honorable" ... for life. It's a bit like in the UK once you are a member of the Privy Council you are The Right Honourable for life. Same situation.
And ... ambassadors DO continue to use Ambassador as an honorific when they retire.
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address a Counselor (A Foreign Diplomat)?
How should I address foreign diplomats who are not the ambassador – rather, they are in the ambassador’s office. Their positions are “Counselor, Deputy Chief of Mission” and “Counselor, Congressional Liaison Officer.” Thanks in advance for your assistance,
-- Ellen
Dear Ellen:
Everyone at a foreign embassy .... except the ambassador .... is:
Mr./Mrs./Ms. (Full Name)
Embassy of (Official Name of Country)
Address
In a salutation they would be
Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. (Surname):
"Counselor" is not used as an honorific in writing for a diplomat. Include their office after their name in an introduction ... but not on an envelope.
RE: Use of Mrs. or Ms.: Internationally "Ms." is not as ubiquitous as it is in the US, but a foreign diplomat serving in the US would be familiar with it.
Only an accredited ambassador who has presented his credientials to the head of state or head of the international organization is addressed as "His/Her Excellency" or in direct address "Your Excellency"
-- Robert Hickey | 
