French President Emmanuel Macron presented outgoing UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with the Legion of Honour in Paris, an award Macron described as "a testimony of (our) gratitude."
Macron praised Starmer's "personal leadership" and "decency" during a ceremony that followed a meeting of the "coalition of the willing," an international group established by Starmer and Macron to support Ukraine and potentially monitor a ceasefire with Russia.
Starmer, who is preparing to leave office on July 20, becomes the first serving UK Prime Minister to receive France's top honor. The award has previously been given to other world leaders, including Vladimir Putin by Macron's predecessors.
During the ceremony, Macron stated, "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 presentation occurred amidst an ongoing dispute between the UK and France concerning the flow of migrants crossing the English Channel.
Earlier in the week, Starmer met with Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss international matters. Starmer also attended Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, where he met British soldiers participating in the annual parade.
The Legion of Honour, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, is awarded for outstanding merit to French citizens and military personnel, as well as select foreign nationals. Notable past recipients include actor Sir Sean Connery and musicians Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney. French President Emmanuel Macron presented outgoing UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with the Legion of Honour in Paris, an award Macron described as "a testimony of (our) gratitude." French President Emmanuel Macron praised Sir Keir's 'personal leadership' and 'decency' and describing the award as 'a testimony of (our) gratitude.'
Previous recipients of the Legion of Honour have also included military figures like Second World War general Bernard Montgomery. Ukrainian President Zelensky received the award from Macron in 2023. Vladimir Putin was awarded the honour in 2006, though Macron has previously suggested the possibility of revoking it.