Macron awarded Starmer the Legion of Honor
French President Emmanuel Macron awarded British Prime Minister Keir Starmer the Order of the Legion of Honor. The French leader recognized his contribution to strengthening European security and his leading role in creating the “Coalition of the Resolute” in support of Ukraine. Starmer became the first sitting British prime minister to receive such an award directly from the French president.
French President Emmanuel Macron presented British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with the Order of the Legion of Honor—France’s highest state honor. The British prime minister received the honor for fostering cooperation between Paris and London in the field of European security, as well as for his active participation in the creation of the “Coalition of the Resolute,” which coordinates support for Ukraine.
During the ceremony, Macron thanked Starmer for his personal contribution to their joint efforts. “I am grateful for your personal leadership and your dedication not only to your country but also to the security of our Europe, Ukraine, and bilateral relations, as well as for your integrity,” said the French president.
According to The Guardian, Keir Starmer became the first British prime minister to be personally awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor by a sitting French president as a sign of recognition for cooperation between the two countries in the field of security. One of the main reasons for the award was his role in forming the “Coalition of the Resolute”—an international initiative that brings together countries ready to strengthen their support for Ukraine and work toward guarantees of its security.
The Order of the Legion of Honor was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It is France’s highest state honor, awarded to both French citizens and foreigners for exceptional service. Prior to this, only one British prime minister had received an even higher rank of this award—the Grand Cross of the Order of the Legion of Honor. In 1958, it was awarded to Winston Churchill for his leadership during World War II and his special relationship with France.
Starmer’s award marks yet another symbol of the deepening cooperation between the United Kingdom and France. In recent years, both countries have been actively coordinating their efforts on issues of European security, military aid to Ukraine, and countering Russian aggression, according to The Guardian.
France will provide Ukraine with its most advanced Rafale fighter jets and grant licenses to manufacture missiles and aerial bombs. The first French aircraft are expected to appear in Ukrainian skies in 2028–2029.
