Sir Alec Douglas-Home

A prominent diplomat and politician in the United Kingdom, Douglas-Home served as prime minister in 1963-64. But his prominence came earlier when he held various appointed posts including foreign secretary, serving under prime ministers Churchill, Eden and Macmillan. He was also leader of the House of Lords. When Macmillan became ill and stepped down as Prime Minister, Douglas-Home assumed the post in the midst of some controversy. Later, when he stood for election to the position, he was defeated, making his time in the post the second briefest in the 20th century. He continued to serve in various positions in the government.