After serving as a junior officer in Spain and the Low Countries during the War of the Spanish Succession, he went on to become British ambassador to Lisbon establishing a close relationship with King John V there.

He undertook a tour as British ambassador to Saint Petersburg before becoming Governor of Gibraltar where he set about improving the fortifications.

[2] Lord Tyrawley and Kilmaine (as he was now) was appointed British ambassador to Lisbon in January 1727[4] establishing a close relationship with King John V there.

[2] Promoted to lieutenant-general on 5 April 1743,[8] he became colonel of the 2nd Troop Horse Grenadier Guards later that month and was appointed British ambassador to Saint Petersburg in November 1743.

The two of them were called before the bar of the House of Commons where Lord Tyrawley harangued Skinner who took the anger in good humour.

[1] Promoted to full general on 14 March 1761,[14] Lord Tyrawley and Kilmaine returned to Lisbon as British ambassador and commander of British troops in February 1762 for the duration of the Seven Years' War but was replaced by General John Burgoyne in July 1762 and returned to England in protest.