Biden taps JFK daughter Caroline as Australia ambassador

President Joe Biden on Wednesday named Caroline Kennedy as the US ambassador to Australia, giving a new public role to the once reticent scion of the celebrated political dynasty.

John F. Kennedy's sole surviving child, who will need Senate confirmation, previously served as ambassador to Japan under president Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017.

The nomination, which had long been rumored, comes nearly a year into Biden's presidency as many of his other diplomatic nominations have been delayed by his Republican rivals.

Australia and Japan are among the closest US allies, with US ambassadors historically enjoying warm welcomes.