David Trench
In 1970, Sharaf assumed the position of Doyen of the Consular Corps in Hong Kong. The position of Doyen would bring Sharaf closer and into regular contact with the Governor General of the colony. At the time, the Governor General of Hong Kong was Sir David Trench (1915–1988, and in office from 1964–1971), a veteran of the British colonial service. The position of Doyen would also bring Sharaf and his wife Noha closer to the-then director of protocol in Hong Kong, Brigadier Sir Rainald Lewthwaite OBE (1913–2003), aka Ray Lewthwaite, and his American-born wife Margaret Edmonds Lewthwaite (MBE) (1907–1990), aka Peggy Lewthwaite. Ray Lewthwaite, a former British officer who had served in Egypt and North Africa during World War II, and his wife Margaret would be lifelong friends of the Sharaf's, being house guests at their Beijing embassy residence in the Eighties. The Sharafs were particularly impressed with Margaret, who, besides being a diplomatic hostess, was an accomplished author and painter.