BANGKOK, Thailand – The official Facebook page of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya announced that the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, signed a decree on January 26, 2026, bestowing the decoration of Grand Officier of the National Order of the Legion of Honour upon the Princess. The French Government expressed profound appreciation for the royal duties performed by Her Royal Highness, especially her contributions to promoting French culture and lifestyle in Thailand and strengthening the close friendship between the two nations. This high honor coincides with recent celebrations marking the 340th anniversary of the first contact between Siam and France in 2025 and the 170th anniversary of formal Thai-French diplomatic relations in 2026.
The National Order of the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur) represents the “Legion of Honour” under the motto “Honor and Fatherland” (Honneur et Patrie). Established by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802, it is the highest French order of merit for military and civil achievements. The decoration is conferred on individuals who have rendered outstanding service to France in fields including the military, culture, science, industry, and humanitarian efforts. Recently, eligibility has been expanded to include foreign nationals who have made exceptional contributions to society, cultural preservation, and international relations.
The emblem features a white five-armed star bearing the effigy of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic, encircled by a gold ring, surrounded by an oak and laurel wreath, and inscribed with the motto on the reverse. The order has five ranks: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer), and Grand-Croix (Grand Cross).
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya joins an illustrious lineage of the Thai Royal Family who have received this national distinction. Previously, His Majesty King Mongkut received the Grand-Croix in 1863, and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was honored with the Grand-Croix in 1960. Furthermore, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana was appointed Grand Officier in 2007, and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was honored with the rank of Grand Officier. (NNT)
Photos: Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya Official Facebook Page
