Dame Menna Rawlings became President of Queens’ College Cambridge, on 1 October 2025, the first woman to take up that role.
This followed a long career in diplomacy and public service. Previously, Menna was British Ambassador to France and to Monaco (2021-2025) and British High Commissioner to Australia (2015-2019). She joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1989 and served in Brussels, Kenya, Israel, Ghana and Washington DC. In London, she was twice a member of the FCO Board, as Director-General for Global and Economic Issues (2019-2020) and as HR Director (2011-2014).
Menna was educated at Northwood Comprehensive School, and studied International Relations (BSc Econ) at the London School of Economics, and later an MBA (Master of Business Administration) with the Open University.
Menna was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Literature degree by the University of London in 2025, in recognition of her diplomatic career and service to Franco-British relations. She was appointed as Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG) in the 2022 New Year Honours, and as Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) during the State Visit to France in 2023.
Menna is married to Mark, and they have three children. She is a sports fan (especially of Welsh Rugby, even when it hurts; and of Chelsea FC) and likes to run, cycle and ski. For relaxation, she enjoys countryside walks, music of all genres, and spending time with family and friends.
