Philip de Zulueta
Philip de Zulueta | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | April 15, 1989 (aged 64) |
| Occupation(s) | Diplomat, businessman |
| Known for | Private secretary for foreign affairs to three UK prime ministers |
Sir Philip Francis de Zulueta (2 January 1925 – 15 April 1989) was a distinguished British diplomat and businessman, recognized for his role as private secretary for foreign affairs to three consecutive UK prime ministers.
Early life
Philip, the son of Francis de Zulueta, who held the position of Regius Professor of Civil Law at Oxford, received his education at Beaumont College followed by New College, Oxford. His academic pursuits were paused due to World War II, during which he served with the Welsh Guards.
Career
Beginning his career in the Diplomatic Service in 1949, de Zulueta was stationed in Moscow from 1950 to 1952, acting as private secretary to Ambassador Sir David Kelly. By 1955, he had advanced to become private secretary to Prime Minister Anthony Eden, a capacity he maintained under both Harold Macmillan and Sir Alec Douglas-Home. His contributions were recognized with a knighthood in 1963.
In 1964, de Zulueta transitioned from diplomacy to merchant banking. He held the position of director at Hill Samuel between 1965 and 1972, then served as chief executive from 1973 until 1976. Subsequently, he chaired Antony Gibbs Holdings from 1976 to 1981. Additionally, he became involved with the Franco-British Council in 1972 and led its British section starting in 1981.
Personal life
On 14 September 1955, de Zulueta wed the Hon. Marie Louise Hennessy, daughter of Angela Duggan and James Hennessy, 2nd Baron Windlesham. The couple had two children:
- Louise Angela Mary de Zulueta (born 1956), who married Mark Donald Seligman in 1982.
- Francis Philip Harold de Zulueta (born 1959), who first married Miranda Jane Howden in 1981; following their divorce, he married Pandora (Jeffreys) Wodehouse in 1987.
De Zulueta passed away on 15 April 1989. After his death, the French Ambassador honored him in The Times as "a clear thinking, determined, optimistic and committed friend," conveying sincere appreciation on behalf of France.