Which French honor did J.K. Rowling receive in 2009?

J.K. Rowling received France’s Légion d’honneur in 2009.

President Nicolas Sarkozy presented Rowling with the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest order of merit, in recognition of her contribution to literature and her charitable work. She received the rank of chevalier, commonly translated as knight, within the order.

The award is a French national honor rather than a British literary prize. That distinction matters because Rowling has received many different recognitions, including the British OBE in 2001 and the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award in 2010. Those awards belong to different countries or institutions and should not be substituted for the French honor.

The Légion d’honneur was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and can recognize both French citizens and foreign nationals. Rowling’s investiture placed her among international figures honored by France for notable contributions to public life, culture, or achievement.