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The spouse or partner of a diplomat, together with their dependent children and any other relative (usually in the ‘immediate’ family) admitted to this category by negotiation with the receiving state at the time of the relative\'s arrival. This definition of what used to be known as the ‘domestic family’ is based on current practice rather than the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, as it was not then possible to reach detailed agreement on what proved a controversial subject. But it was accepted that those recognized as members of the agent\'s family should enjoy the same privileges and immunities as the agent.
Until well into the nineteenth century, however, the head of mission\'s ‘family’ meant his entire embassy (sense 2), and thus included what was known as his ‘official family’, usually a secretary of embassy/legation, attachés, servants, and so on. See also administrative and technical staff; service staff. |
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