Saudi Arabian Prince conferred with France’s highest Civil Award

Saudi Arabian prince was conferred with the prestigious The Legion of Honour award which has fuelled controversies in France.

Flash points

• Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz has received the Legion of Honour Award
• Though official notifications have not been stated, French President made the announcement
• The announcement was made during the visit of Saudi Arabian prince to Paris
• The Crown Prince’s visit to the Elysee Palace actually took place on Friday 4 March, the same day as Hollande held talks with Angela Merkel about how to cope with the refugee crisis
• France has been accused of devaluing its highest national honour as it was the most vibrant in its condemnation of Saudi mass executions earlier this year, calling the kingdom’s killing of 47 people as deeply deplorable
• However the award was given to Saudi Arabian Prince for his efforts to fight terrorism told France in a official statement

About legion Honour award

• The Legion of Honour award is the highest decoration in France, and was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte
• It is divided in to five degrees of increasing distinction: Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross
• While membership is technically restricted to French nationals, foreigners who have served France may receive the honour
• . Foreign heads of state, along with their wives, can be made Grand Cross as a courtesy
• The most recent foreign nationals to receive the award were the three Americans who thwarted a terrorist attack, after a gunman boarded a high-speed train headed to France

Key points

• French president– Francois Hollande
• France Capital- Paris