US Embassy in UK fact-checks ‘The Diplomat’

The U.S. Embassy in London is weighing in on the accuracy of Netflix’s new show, “The Diplomat.”

In the video shared on the U.S. Embassy’s Twitter, spokesperson Aaron Snipe goes through four facts the first episode of the show got right and one it got wrong. The video includes a clip of Keri Russell, who stars as fictional U.S. ambassador to the U.K. Kate Wyler, referencing it had been 50 years since the last time there was a female ambassador.

“Now this is true,” Snipe confirms, noting Anne Armstrong served as the first female ambassador to the U.K. in 1976. He also points out that the country’s current ambassador, Jane Hartley, is only the second woman to serve in the role.

We fact checked the first episode of @netflix's The Diplomat and the amount they got right might surprise you. Got a question about how a real 🇺🇸 embassy works? Ask your questions in the comments below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Ol8CpdnNwO

— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) May 2, 2023

Snipe also points out the differences between the fictional residence where Russell’s character resides and the real ambassador’s residence. On the show, Kate Wyler resides in a house known as Wrotham Park, whereas the real residence is called Winfield House.

However, Snipe goes on to note the history of Wrotham Park — as described in the show by the house manager — is the same as the history of Winfield House. American socialite and heiress Barbara Hutton sold her home to the U.S. government for just $1 following World War II, according to Snipe.

The video then includes a clip of Wyler’s husband, Hal, played by Rufus Sewell, telling his wife about the value of hosting events in her new role.

“They’ve been hosting garden parties for 50 years. The president is asking you to take it up a notch,” Sewell says as Hal.

“Well, I do have to say this — we do host fantastic parties,” Snipe says as he stands in a hall in the real embassy, noting that Ed Sheeran, Duran Duran, Bastille and Annie Lennox have all performed at Winfield House.

The Netflix series, which is currently the No. 1 show in the U.K., centers on Kate Wyler adjusting to her new role as an ambassador while maintaining her marriage to Hal, who is also a career diplomat. The show premiered on Netflix in April and was renewed for a second season at the beginning of May.