Starmer becomes first serving UK prime minister to receive France's highest honour

Sir Keir Starmer has been awarded France's highest honour, the Legion d'honneur, becoming the first serving UK prime minister to receive the prestigious distinction.

The award was presented by French President Emmanuel Macron at the conclusion of a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of allied nations established by the UK and France to support Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

During the ceremony at the Élysée Palace, Macron paid tribute to Starmer's leadership and his contribution to strengthening European security and supporting Ukraine.

"I wanted to reiterate my gratitude and the gratitude of the French people, obviously for your years as prime minister," Macron said.

"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."

The French president also praised Starmer's "decency" and thanked him for his commitments to the United Kingdom, Ukraine, European security and the relationship between the two countries.

Tributes were also paid by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during the gathering of world leaders.

The Legion d'honneur was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and remains France's highest civilian and military honour. Each year, around 2,000 French citizens and 200 foreign nationals are recognised for outstanding service and achievements.

Among its most notable recipients is Sir Winston Churchill, who was awarded the Grand Croix, the highest rank of the order, in recognition of his exceptional contribution over many years.

Over the centuries, the honour has been awarded to prominent international figures including Nelson Mandela, former US President Dwight Eisenhower and Volodymyr Zelensky. However, it has also attracted controversy for having been awarded to leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Muammar Gaddafi, Benito Mussolini and Francisco Franco.

Only one foreign leader, former Panamanian President Manuel Noriega, has had the honour revoked. More recently, film producer Harvey Weinstein was stripped of the award following allegations and convictions relating to sexual offences.

Starmer's award marks another milestone in the close diplomatic relationship between the United Kingdom and France and reflects his role in fostering cooperation on European security and support for Ukraine.