British High Commissioner to Tonga
Philip Malone LVO
Biography
Philip Malone was appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga in 2024.
Previously he was the Ambassador to Mongolia in 2018.
He joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 1981.
He has served in a range of FCO and overseas posts, with a particular focus on Asia and Europe, including postings as Deputy Head of Mission in Helsinki, Head of Chancery in Singapore and as British Ambassador to Laos.
| May 2024 to the present | British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga |
| 2018 to 2023 | Ulaanbaatar, His Majesty’s Ambassador |
| 2015 to 2018 | FCO, Deputy Head, South East Asia and Pacific Department |
| 2012 to 2015 | Vientiane, Her Majesty’s Ambassador |
| 2008 to 2012 | Helsinki, Deputy Head of Mission |
| 2003 to 2008 | Singapore, Head of Chancery |
| 1999 to 2002 | FCO, Head of France/Benelux Section and Deputy Head of Department |
| 1995 to 1999 | Bandar Seri Begawan, Second Secretary, Defence/Chancery |
| 1992 to 1994 | Luxembourg, Third Secretary, Trade/Press and Public Affairs |
| 1989 to 1992 | FCO, Assistant Parliamentary Clerk |
| 1986 to 1989 | Guatemala City, Third Secretary |
| 1983 to 1986 | Buenos Aires, Attaché |
| 1981 to 1983 | FCO, Attaché, Eastern European and Soviet Department |
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British High Commissioner to Tonga
The High Commissioner is the UK government’s representative in a Commonwealth nation. They are responsible for the direction and work of the High Commission and its Deputy High Commissions, including political and economic work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.