He was the second son of Thomas Edward Dicey, of an old Leicestershire family, who was senior wrangler in 1811, was a pioneer of the Midland Railway, and owned the Northampton Mercury.

[1] In 1861, Dicey became connected with The Daily Telegraph, and his style and knowledge of foreign questions led to his being made a permanent member of the staff in 1862.

On leaving it he at once became editor of the Observer, and filled that office for nineteen years (1870–89), continuing to write for the paper for some time after he ceased to edit it.

He was a frequent visitor to Egypt, and formed at first hand well-defined views of England's position there, at one time advocating the annexation of the country by Great Britain.

He was a strong supporter of friendly relations between England and Germany, and closely studied South African matters in later years.