Explainer: How to Tell the Difference Between a High Commission and an Embassy

Foreign ministers from the Commonwealth are meeting this week at Lancaster House in London to discuss reform and the organisation’s future role.

One distinctive feature of Commonwealth diplomacy is the use of the title High Commissioner. Envoys sent between member states carry this designation, and their offices are known as high commissions. In dealings with non-Commonwealth countries, the same officials hold the title of ambassador and operate from embassies. 

Diplomatic ranks are largely standardised under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, though national practices vary. In Kenya, for example, the rank of ambassador may be granted to senior officials within the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs who have led departments or served as deputy heads of mission.

Presidents may also appoint special envoys with ambassadorial rank to promote tourism, sports, technology, or mediate disputes, even if they are not career diplomats. Appointments abroad follow strict protocol. Before taking up their post, diplomats must receive approval from the host country, known as agrément. 

This formal consent affirms mutual respect and sovereignty. While approval is usually granted, nominees have occasionally been rejected, requiring governments to propose alternatives.

Diplomatic communication follows established conventions. The note verbale is a common form: a formal, unsigned letter exchanged between ministries and missions. It uses a polite, formulaic style, often opening with phrases such as, “The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs presents its compliments…” 

Notes verbales are an important tool for managing disputes or clarifying official positions. Titles within missions can be misleading. The rank of minister-counsellor refers to senior officials just below the ambassador, often responsible for political, economic, or cultural matters. They may be addressed as ambassadors in social settings, but their role is to support the head of mission.