UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been awarded France’s highest order of merit, the Légion d’honneur, by French President Emmanuel Macron during a ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Tuesday. The honour recognizes Starmer’s contribution to strengthening Franco-British relations and his leadership on European security and climate issues.
Ceremony and Significance
Macron pinned the insignia on Starmer’s lapel in a brief ceremony attended by senior officials from both countries. The award is a rare gesture for a non-French head of government while still in office, underscoring the close ties between London and Paris under Starmer’s premiership since 2024. According to the Élysée, the decoration was conferred “for his personal commitment to the alliance between France and the United Kingdom and his decisive action in favour of peace and security in Europe.”
Starmer’s Response and Bilateral Context
Starmer expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award. It reflects the deep friendship and cooperation between our two nations, which is more important than ever in today’s uncertain world.” The award comes amid ongoing collaboration on defence, migration, and energy policy. Starmer and Macron have held several bilateral meetings since Starmer took office, focusing on support for Ukraine and joint efforts to tackle climate change.
Historical Precedents
The Légion d’honneur has been awarded to several British figures, including Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II, but it is less commonly given to sitting prime ministers. The last British PM to receive it was Tony Blair in 2004, also from President Jacques Chirac. The award is not without controversy; some critics have questioned the timing, given domestic political pressures facing both leaders. However, officials on both sides have emphasised the symbolic importance of the gesture for Franco-British relations.
