Her Majesty’s Deputy Ambassador to Hungary, Steven Dick, has died from COVID-19.
Mr Dick was 37-years-old and is believed to be the first British diplomat to die from coronavirus.
He is the tenth fatality from the disease in Hungary, having died on Tuesday.
It is unknown if the Budapest based official had any underlying health conditions.
Mr Dick has been Deputy Ambassador to Hungary for just a few months, having started last December.
He had previously been based in Kabul and Riyadh, and was likely to have a long and successful career in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
In a statement, the diplomat’s parents, Steven and Carol, said: “Steven was a much-loved son, grandson and nephew. He was kind, funny and generous.
“It was always his dream to work for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and he was very happy representing our country overseas. We are devastated by his loss and ask for privacy at this tragic time.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “I am desperately saddened by the news of Steven’s death & my heart goes out to his parents Steven and Carol.
“Steven was a dedicated diplomat & represented his country with great skill and passion. He will be missed by all those who knew him and worked with him.”
The Deputy Ambassador, also known as the Deputy Head of Mission, is a senior diplomat and key advisor to the Ambassador.
The Deputy is responsible for the daily management of an overseas Embassy.
They represent the UK’s interests in the absence of the Ambassador as Chargé d’Affaires.
