In a landmark diplomatic moment held at the Élysée Palace, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has entered the history books as the first sitting British prime minister to receive France’s highest civilian and military distinction, the Legion d’honneur. The prestigious award was presented at the conclusion of a gathering of the Coalition of the Willing, a coalition of pro-Ukraine nations co-founded by Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
During the presentation ceremony, Macron offered glowing remarks that celebrated both Starmer’s personal character and his far-reaching contributions to continental and global security. He underscored his gratitude, as well as the gratitude of the French people, for Starmer’s years of service in office, noting that “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.” Macron specifically highlighted Starmer’s unwavering commitments to the United Kingdom, European collective security, Ukraine’s sovereignty, and the strengthening of Franco-British bilateral ties.
The honor drew tributes from leading global figures who have stood alongside the coalition in supporting Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was among those who honored Starmer, who is set to step down from the post of prime minister next week. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also joined in offering public thanks to the outgoing UK leader for his work at the event.
Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion d’honneur is awarded annually to roughly 2,000 French citizens and 200 foreign nationals in recognition of exceptional merit and service to the nation or broader global community. Past recipients span the spectrum of global leadership: British wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill received the order’s highest rank, Grand Croix, a distinction reserved for individuals with decades of outstanding contribution. Other prominent figures to hold the honor include former South African President Nelson Mandela, former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky himself.
Despite its status as one of the world’s most recognizable state honors, the Legion d’honneur has long been mired in controversy, due to its past bestowal on a number of authoritarian and controversial leaders. Recipients have included Russian President Vladimir Putin, former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Italian wartime fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, and Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. To date, only one foreign leader has been stripped of the honor: former Panamanian President Manuel Noriega. Under Macron’s presidency, disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein also had the decoration revoked following multiple public accusations of sexual harassment and rape.