Julian Pauncefote

The Right Honourable The Lord Pauncefote GCB GCMG PC
Caricature by Spy published in Vanity Fair in 1883.
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States
In office 1889–1893
Monarch	Queen Victoria
Preceded by	Hon. Sir Lionel Sackville-West
Succeeded by	Upgraded to Ambassador to the United States
British Ambassador to the United States
In office 1893 – 24 May 1902
Monarch	Queen Victoria Edward VII
Preceded by	New office
Succeeded by	Hon. Sir Michael Henry Herbert
Personal details
Born	13 September 1828 Munich, Bavaria
Died	24 May 1902(1902-05-24) (aged 73) Washington D. C., United States
Nationality	British
Spouse(s)	Selina Cubitt

Julian Pauncefote, 1st Baron Pauncefote GCB GCMG PC (13 September 1828 – 24 May 1902), known as Sir Julian Pauncefote between 1874 and 1899, was a British barrister, judge and diplomat. He was Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs between 1882 and 1889 when he was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States, an office that was upgraded to that of Ambassador to the United States in 1893. Elevated to the peerage as Baron Pauncefote in 1899, he died in office in 1902.

Pauncefote was born in Munich, Bavaria, the son of Robert Pauncefote and Emma, daughter of Robert Smith. His father had been born Robert Smith but had assumed the surname of Pauncefote in lieu of his patronymic in 1809. Robert Smith was the grandson of John Smith, brother of Sir George Smith, 1st Baronet (see Bromley baronets) and Abel Smith, ancestor of the Barons Carrington and the Barons Bicester. He was educated at Paris, Geneva, and Marlborough College. Intending to join the British Indian Army, he obtained a commission in the Madras Light Cavalry, but never took up his post, instead being called to the bar in 1852.