Coronavirus: British diplomat, 37, dies after contracting Covid-19 in Hungary

Foreign secretary pays tribute to Steven Dick, head of mission at British Embassy in Budapest

A British diplomat in Hungary has died at the age of 37 after contracting coronavirus.

The Foreign Office confirmed the death of Steven Dick, the deputy head of mission at the British Embassy in Budapest, on Wednesday.

The Scot died in Hungary on Tuesday. It is unclear if he had underlying health conditions.

His parents Steven and Carol Dick said in a statement: “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 and 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 and my heart goes out to his parents Steven and Carol.

“Steven was a dedicated diplomat and represented his country with great skill and passion. He will be missed by all those who knew him and worked with him.”

Before taking up his post in Budapest five months ago, Mr Dick had roles at the British embassies in Kabul and Riyadh and was most recently head of corporate strategy and governance at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The UK Ambassador to Hungary, Iain Lindsay, said: “I and my team and our families are deeply saddened and shocked at Steven‘s passing. We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family and friends.

“Steven was a dear colleague and friend who had made a tremendous impression in Hungary since his arrival last October with his personal warmth and his sheer professionalism, not least his excellent Hungarian.

“As our fellow Scot Robert Burns, whose works we had recently recited together, wrote: ‘Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d, Few heads with knowledge so inform’d.’ We will miss him so much.”

Sir Simon McDonald, permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office, said Mr Dick’s death was “simply shattering news”.

He added: “I knew Steven personally and he was an exemplary officer and a lovely man.

“He was just starting out on what was sure to be an outstanding career and his friends around the world and across the FCO will miss him sorely.

Ten people have died of coronavirus in Hungary since the country reported its first cases on 4 March.

The Hungarian government has confirmed 226 case of the disease, which has claimed more than 20,000 lives worldwide.