Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana granted permission for the French Republic to confer a distinguished order of merit, revealing the meaning of France's honors.
The Royal Household announced that on 26 January 2026, Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron, President of the French Republic, signed a decree to award the Grand Officier rank of the Legion of Honour to Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. The French government expressed deep appreciation for the Princess’s contributions, especially in promoting French culture and lifestyle in Thailand, as well as the strong friendship between the two nations. This recognition coincides with the celebration of the 340th anniversary of first Siam-France contact in 2025 and the 170th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations in 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that on 22 May 2026, Princess Sirivannavari granted permission for the French Republic to confer the Grand Officier rank of the Légion d’honneur at the French Ministry of Culture in Paris. Catherine Pégard, the French Minister of Culture, presented the honor. The ceremony was attended by Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Anek Anothai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture; and Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, French Ambassador to Thailand.
The French Minister of Culture praised Princess Sirivannavari’s distinguished contributions, highlighting her outstanding role and expertise in promoting French culture and the French art de vivre, as well as her enduring friendship with France.
Princess Sirivannavari expressed her admiration for French friendship and culture, especially in fashion and design, which closely relate to her royal duties. She emphasized the value, beauty, and uniqueness of French culture, linking it to the preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of fine arts, cultural development, and advancement of the creative industries in Thailand—areas she has consistently prioritized.
The Legion of Honour (Légion d’honneur) means “Legion of Honor,” and its motto is “Honneur et Patrie” (Honor and Fatherland). It is France’s highest national order of merit, established by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte on 19 May 1802 to recognize outstanding military and civilian achievements and bravery.
The Legion of Honour insignia is a five-pointed white star with a central figure of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic, surrounded by a golden ring. Below the star are crossed oak and laurel branches. The reverse bears the motto “Honneur et Patrie” and the date of establishment.
The decoration is awarded to individuals who have rendered distinguished service to France across various fields—civilian, military, or individual—enhancing France’s reputation domestically and internationally in areas such as the military, culture, science, industry, and humanitarian work. It expresses gratitude and recognition for great contributions to the nation and inspires others to do good and contribute positively to society. Today, it also extends to foreigners who have benefited France and those who have contributed significantly to society and the nation, such as in cultural preservation and the arts.
Ranks and Insignia The Legion of Honour is divided into five ranks as follows:
Rank 1: Chevalier (Knight) – wears the badge without the rose-patterned ribbon on the left chest.
Rank 2: Officier (Officer) – wears the badge with the rose-patterned ribbon on the left chest.
Rank 3: Commandeur (Commander) – wears the badge on a necklet or neck ribbon.
Rank 4: Grand Officier (Grand Officer) – wears the badge with rose-patterned ribbon on the left chest and a star on the right chest.
Rank 5: Grand-Croix (Grand Cross) – the highest rank, wears the badge with a sash worn from the right shoulder and a star on the left chest.
Monarchs and Royal Family Members Who Have Received the French Order of Merit
King Mongkut (Rama IV) was awarded the Grand-Croix of the Légion d’honneur in 1863.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) was awarded the Grand-Croix of the Légion d’honneur in 1960.
Prince Kalyanivatana, the Prince of Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, received the Grand Officier rank in 2007.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn received the Grand Officier rank of the Légion d’honneur.
Photo sourced from the Royal Household website.