On Thursday 10 December Ambassador Michael Žantovský presented his Letters of Credence to HM The Queen. He formally inaugurated his diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom. Ambassador Žantovský has, however, started to perform his duties upon his arrival to London on 2 October 2009.

Presenting credentials is a formal ceremony in which a newly-appointed foreign Ambassador or High Commissioner presents his or her Letters of Credence or Letters of High Commission to Her Majesty. It has a traditional scenario for all heads of mission accredited to the Court of St James´s.

The Ambassador is collected from the Embassy or residence together with his wife by a State landau (dating back to 1872) from the Royal Mews. They are escorted by the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps and the Ambassador's suite follows in another State landau.

During the 20-minute audience, the Ambassador presents his or her Letters of Credence or Letters of Commission and his wife and the accompanying diplomats are presented to The Queen. The Ambassador's party then returns to the Embassy or residence by carriage.

In 1886 there were only six Ambassadors in London, with 37 other countries represented by Ministers. Today, there are 172 foreign missions. They are accredited to the Court of St James's in London, because St. James's Palace is still the senior palace and official residence of the Sovereign.