[4] She graduated in with a degree in modern history from Oxford University, with a specialisation in economics and law.

From 1988 until 1989, she spent a year learning Russian in preparation for her posting to Moscow in 1989 as a Third Secretary, Commercial.

After this, until 1996 she was seconded to the German Foreign Ministry returning to the FCO but remaining in Germany in Berlin as First Secretary.

For two years from 1998 she was head of the Turkey, Cyprus & Malta Section before being posted to Government Office South West as assistant director.

[citation needed] On 19 September 2016, Axworthy presented her letter of credence to Pope Francis, beginning her mission to the Holy See.