At a glance
The Légion d'honneur (National Order of the Legion of Honour) is France's highest order of merit, for both civilian and military service. Napoleon Bonaparte founded it in 1802. Foreigners who have served France or its ideals can receive it too, which is how many Indian business leaders, artists and public figures have been honoured.
Key facts
- Full name: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur
- Founded: 19 May 1802, by Napoleon Bonaparte (first awards in 1804)
- Motto: "Honneur et Patrie" ("Honour and Fatherland")
- Grand Master: the President of France (Emmanuel Macron since 2017)
- Grand Chancellor: General François Lecointre
- Ribbon: plain red
- Grades: three ranks (Chevalier, Officier, Commandeur) and two dignities (Grand officier, Grand-croix)
- Foreign heads of state usually receive the Grand-croix as a courtesy
- Latest Indian name (2026): Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chevalier, named on 12 October 2026
How it works
The order has five levels, from lowest to highest:
| Level | French name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Knight | Chevalier | Rank |
| Officer | Officier | Rank |
| Commander | Commandeur | Rank |
| Grand Officer | Grand officier | Dignity |
| Grand Cross | Grand-croix | Dignity |
- Awards are made by decree of the President, who is Grand Master of the order. The Grand Chancellor runs it day to day.
- For a foreign recipient the honour may be announced first and the insignia presented later. Mittal's, for example, is due at the French Embassy in New Delhi.
Some Indian recipients:
- Ratan Tata: Commandeur, 2016
- Shah Rukh Khan: 2014
- Shashi Tharoor: Chevalier, 2022
- Lata Mangeshkar: Officier
- Sunil Bharti Mittal: Chevalier, 2026
Recent developments
- 12 Oct 2026: President Emmanuel Macron named Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. The award recognises his role in India–France economic ties and in telecom and digital infrastructure. The insignia is due to be presented at the French Embassy in New Delhi on 28 October 2026.
Exam traps
- Chevalier (Knight) is the entry grade, not the highest; the highest is the Grand-croix.
- The Legion of Honour (1802) is different from the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, France's arts honour. Shah Rukh Khan received both, the Arts et Lettres in 2007.
- It was founded in 1802, but the first awards were made only in 1804.
- The Grand Master is the French President, not the Grand Chancellor.
- Mittal's Indian honour is the Padma Bhushan (2007). Do not mix it up with his 2026 French award.
Quick check
- Q: Who founded the Legion of Honour, and when? A: Napoleon Bonaparte, in 1802.
- Q: Which grade did Sunil Bharti Mittal receive in October 2026? A: Chevalier (Knight).
- Q: Who is the Grand Master of the order? A: The President of France.
In the news
Every time this topic has appeared in our current affairs, newest first:
- Week of 8–14 October 2026Sunil Bharti Mittal named Knight of France's Legion of Honour