The English Ambassador from William Shakespeare's Hamlet appears only during the last few minutes of the play. His only purpose is to inform King Claudius (Hamlet's murderous uncle) that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been executed, supposedly according to the wishes of the King, who actually wanted Hamlet killed. Not knowing that Hamlet secretly changed the King's order, and finding Claudius dead, he is completely bewildered and says Where should we have our thanks? Horatio, Hamlet's best friend, answers, knowing that Claudius never gave such an order: Not from his mouth .The English ambassador rarely appears in film versions of Hamlet , but does appear in many stage productions of the play. Since his only purpose is to inform the Royal Court of something the audience watching Hamlet already knows, he is considered dispensable by film producers and directors wishing to trim the length of the play. Show less «