The American ambassador to the Netherlands, Timothy Broas, is returning to the US next month after less than two years in the job.

Broas is returning to spend more time with his family who remained in America after he took up the position in March 2014.

‘They have been incredibly supportive of and enthusiastic for my service, despite our separation, and have never once complained, but I feel that I owe them more time and closer support,’ Broas said in a statement on the embassy website.

‘I know that I will never have an opportunity like this again in my lifetime, and so it is with deeply mixed emotions that I make this decision, but I must put my family first.’

Four years

Since 2005, no US ambassador to the Netherlands has completed their four year term in office. Broas’ predecessor, Fay Hartog Levin, left in September 2011 after three years and it took a further 2.5 years for Broas to be appointed.

The NRC says a new ambassador is unlikely to be appointed ahead of the US presidential elections and it is likely to be 18 months before all the procedures are completed.