Following his graduation, the late Yusuf al‑‘Alayan commenced his public service career by assuming the post of ambassador on behalf of King Saud bin Abdulaziz in the French capital, Paris. During his tenure, he became acquainted with a French woman with whom he developed a serious intention to marry. In adherence to protocol and out of respect for the sovereign’s authority, he sought the counsel of King Saud regarding the matter. The King informed him that prevailing regulations did not permit an ambassador to remain in his diplomatic post should he enter into such a marriage, thereby placing al‑‘Alayan before a formal legal constraint rather than a personal objection.