He was able to talk engagingly about foreign politics, international relations and our values and cultural roots in Europe and the West for hours on end and also worked tirelessly for Czechoslovakia to once again become a free and democratic country. After the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, he stuck to Masaryk’s work ethic of chipping away at things day in day out in order to progress our country – whether it be in any of his roles or as in his private life. Just like the first president of the independent Czechoslovakia and first president of the free Czech Republic, he could not stand empty speech, and one of his most common reactions during discussions about the problems and injustices of the world was: “And what are we going to do about it?”.

He knew that our freedom and democracy as well as the status of Czechia in Europe and the world is fragile and not a given. He knew how pivotal it is for us to have good relations with our neighbours, and that NATO and the European Union are not a guarantee of our safety and prosperity if we do not act on a daily basis towards the safety and prosperity of Czechia and our allies. He knew that we have to bravely resist the whims of various despots and other non-democratic countries who wish to destroy our freedom and our will to protect it. He knew how important it is to support human rights and those from all over the world who are denied them.

In this way Karel Schwarzenberg inspired at least two generations of Czech diplomats and he will continue to be with us with his unending kindness, perspective, elegance and sense of humour.

A book of condolence for the late Karel Schwarzenberg will be open at the Consulate General of the Czech Republic at 169 Military Rd, Dover Heights 2030, at the following times:

Wednesday 15^th November: 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Thursday 16^th November: 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm

For those wishing  to send the condolences  by email, please  use the email address: condolences@mzv.cz