After months of planning and with excitement rising, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales arrives in Singapore today.
Here I am checking last minute details put in place by my and HRH’s super teams, in collaboration with the Government of Singapore….
Let’s do this…!
Kara Owen
3,292 posts
British Ambassador to Ireland. Former HC to Singapore. Proud Cumbrian. Mother. LFC fan. Food, history, hiking.
Dublin City, Ireland
Joined March 2009
- Today I arrive in Dublin to take over as British Ambassador. Until I have the honour of presenting my letter of credence to the President, I am just "designate". But I am delighted to get started and work to build on the excellent legacy of @PJohnstonFCDO.
- A wonderful, warm welcome in Singapore. Thanks to SMS Sim Ann for greeting HRH The Prince of Wales.Wonderful to see you all this evening, Singapore! Thank you for hosting us for the third annual #EarthshotPrize here this week. We can't wait to highlight sustainability successes from across Asia (and beyond!) and support innovative solutions to our planet's greatest challenges.
00:00 - Today we had a private ceremony at the Singapore Memorial and @CWGC cemetery, Kranji, to commemorate the 75th Victory over Japan day. Always so moving to think of the sacrifices made by these ordinary men and women, including one (Joseph Wilkinson) from my home town, Egremont.
- For years I have wanted to work on the UK-Ireland relationship, one that is absolutely central to the UK’s past, present and future. I am therefore delighted to share that I’ve been appointed as the UK’s next Ambassador to Ireland. Big shoes to fill, replacing @PJohnstonFCDOWe are pleased to announce that @karaowen has been appointed His Majesty's Ambassador to Ireland in succession to @PJohnstonFCDO. Ms. Owen will take up the position in September 2025. Learn more about the next Ambassador here: gov.uk/government/new…
- Shocked and saddened by the attack on Singapore student, Jonathan Mok, in London. No place in society for such nasty behaviour. We are in touch with @SHCLon and the local police are investigating the incident. My thoughts are with Jonathan and I hope for his speedy recovery.
- An honour to have an audience with Her Majesty The Queen today. Such a strong relationship with Singapore. #SGUKpartnership
- Congratulations to President-elect Connolly. The UK looks forward to working with you in your new capacity. (As a diplomat, it is always a privilege to be able to watch a country exercising its democracy)
00:00 - 1/8.An extraordinary moment of honour and privilege as I presented my credentials to HE President Halima Yacob of Singapore. The Guard of Honour was impeccable. I discussed with President Halima the strength of #SGUKPartnership and the importance of cohesive societies.
- No more #PrePostingPreps. Last London commute for a while. #London I love you. You are a fabulous city, bursting with energy, variety and possibilities. Lucky to be leaving this global city for another.... amazing #Singapore
- It’s hard to know what to say in the face of this. He implies some countries are “unsophisticated” to want to resist the invasion of a sovereign state. It seems to me that sovereignty and territorial integrity are principles important to all countries and peoples.
- #SGUnited from where I was at 2000 tonight. This is not a particularly noisy city - but this thanks for healthcare workers and cleaners in their efforts to protect us during COVID19 was riotous and heartfelt.
00:00 - At the British High Commission in Singapore, we are flying the Ukrainian flag 🇺🇦 in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends. The United Kingdom stands with the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked attack on freedom and democracy. We #StandwithUkraine
- I am delighted that my successor will be Nikesh Mehta. I know Nikesh well, have a lot of respect for everything he has achieved & know he will be an excellent High Commissioner to 🇸🇬. He will start in July, until then my foot will be on the pedal for great 🇬🇧🇸🇬 relations.

















