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Sir Keir Starmer has made history as the first sitting UK prime minister to receive France’s highest distinction, the Legion d’honneur. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon him following a gathering of the Coalition of the Willing, a group formed by Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron aimed at supporting Ukraine in response to Russia’s extensive invasion in 2022.
During the ceremony, President Macron highlighted Sir Keir’s “decency” and expressed his appreciation for Starmer’s dedication not only to the United Kingdom but also to the broader security of Europe, Ukraine, and the strong bilateral ties between France and the UK. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, were also present and paid their respects to the departing prime minister, who is set to leave office next week.
Macron took the moment to personally present the honour to Sir Keir, stating: “I wanted to reiterate my gratitude and the gratitude of the French people, obviously for your years as prime minister. I have to say, all the human qualities that we learn to appreciate, all those remain very important to all of us. We found with you a very reliable and friendly partner.” This recognition is part of a tradition where approximately 2,000 French citizens and 200 foreigners are awarded the Order annually for their “outstanding merits.”
The Legion d’honneur dates back to 1802, established by Napoleon Bonaparte, and has been awarded to numerous prominent figures, including Sir Winston Churchill, who received its highest rank, the Grand Croix (Grand Cross), reserved for those demonstrating sustained exceptional merit. The honour, however, carries a complex legacy, as it has also been granted to controversial leaders such as Benito Mussolini, Francisco Franco, Vladimir Putin, and Muammar Gaddafi. To date, only one recipient, former Panamanian President Manuel Noriega, has had the award revoked. In recent times, French authorities have rescinded the decoration from individuals like Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein following serious allegations
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