British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has made history as the first incumbent UK leader to be bestowed with the Legion d’honneur, France’s most prestigious accolade. The award was presented by President Emmanuel Macron following a meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing,’ an international group established by the two leaders to provide support to Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion.
During the ceremony at the French presidential palace, President Macron lauded Sir Keir for his integrity and his significant efforts toward European security and the strengthening of bilateral ties. The event saw additional praise from notable figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
While the Legion of Honour recognizes exceptional service, it has faced historical scrutiny due to past recipients, who include figures such as Benito Mussolini, Francisco Franco, and Vladimir Putin. The order, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is typically granted to about 2,200 individuals annually. Notable past honorees include Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower. In rare instances, such as with Harvey Weinstein or Manuel Noriega, the French government has moved to revoke the status of individuals who have brought discredit to the order.
