Robert Francis Cornish (; born 18 May 1942) is a British former diplomat who previously served as the Foreign Office spokesman for Douglas Hurd, Senior Trade Commissioner to Hong Kong (until 1997), British Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao (July to November 1997), head of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's news department, and Ambassador to Israel (1998 to 2001). and later joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (ECO) in 1968.
Diplomatic career
Cornish began his diplomatic career in several countries which include Malaysia in 1970 and Indonesia from 1971 to 1973. Posted to London from 1973 to 1976, then serving as the First Secretary at the British Embassy in Bonn, Germany from 1976 to 1980. Under the Prince of Wales, he would become his Assistant Deputy Secretary from 1980 to 1983. On 6 November 1983, he was appointed as the British High Commissioner to Brunei. He would vacate the colonial mansion where British officials have managed Brunei's affairs as a sign of independence. Nonetheless, a British Gurkha battalion will stay in the nation for a further five years to support the national defense. From 1986 to 1990, he became the Counsellor in Washington, and Head of British Information Services in New York. (2003–2009) and is now chairman of the Taunton Town Centre Company and has a smallholding in the Quantocks.
Honours
In 1978 during the Queen's state visit to West Germany, he was appointed as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO). In 1984 it was redesignated as Lieutenant (LVO). In the New Year Honours of 1994, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).
- 50x50px Order of St Michael and St George Companion (CMG; 1994)
- 50x50px Royal Victorian Order Lieutenant (LVO; 1978)