Diplomatic corps#Dean of the Diplomatic Corps

The word Doyen (female form Doyenne ) comes from the French term for dean, elder. In a broader sense, the term is used for a leading personality in a particular field. The origin of the word is the Latin decanus.

Doyen in diplomacy

Doyen is called the oldest and most senior member of a diplomatic corps (ie, the ambassador, who is already the longest in the country) and is the spokesman and representative at ceremonial occasions. He also mediates conflicts within the respective diplomatic corps.

The ranking of the members of the Diplomatic Corps in Germany results from the Anciennitätenliste the Foreign Office.

Apostolic Nuncio as Doyen

In many states that maintain diplomatic relations with the Holy See, the nuncio is also Dean of the local diplomatic corps. This conflict between the ambassadors be avoided for the lead role at state receptions. The order of precedence according to seniority would assign under certain circumstances the representatives of smaller states automatically a leadership role that may not be intended. If, however, a representative of a larger or more powerful state would unduly favored, as the representatives of the other State would find this a diplomatic affront (such as the historical example of the London coach controversy from 1661 was significantly ).

The current (2013 ) is Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Germany, following this principle, the Apostolic Nuncio, Nikola Eterović. In Austria and Switzerland it's his counterpart Peter Zurbriggen and Francesco Canalini.

Doyen in science

In the academic world renowned scientists older than Doyen (also Nestor or luminary ) of their field called when their life's work has shaped in an outstanding way the general school of thought of their discipline.

Doyen or Doyenne of Austrian theaters

A doyen or Doyenne is also a special member of the theater, originally the Vienna Burgtheater. This honorary award each carry a lady and a gentleman in the ensemble, usually the most senior members of the ensemble, and thus they remain committed to their demise. They may not be put into retirement and have a right to the Burgtheater tradition appropriate burial. They have a kind representative capacity and represent the house to the outside. Currently, Anne Marie and Michael Düringer Heltau carry this item.

At the Theater in der Josefstadt this item actress Elfriede Ott wear chamber and chamber actor Otto Schenk.

At the Viennese popular theater Hilde Sochor is the doyenne of the house.

Am Wiener Gloria-Theater carry this item Hilde Rome and Peter Lodynski.