Paris - French President Emmanuel Macron has made British pop
star Elton John a knight of the Legion of Honour.
The designation honours John's artistic career and campaigning in the
field of HIV and AIDS, Macron said on Friday evening in the Elysee
Palace.
The 41-year-old awarded the prestigious award at the annual music
festival "Fete de la musique," which is held throughout the country.
Elton John was touched and honoured.
"I have a huge love affair with France. I have a house here," the
72-year-old star said.
It is not the first high-ranking award for the singer of "Rocketman"
and "Candle In The Wind:" In 1998, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II
knighted him, since when he carries the title "Sir."
The Briton is on a world tour, currently giving concerts in France.
French President Emmanuel Macron, right, hold hands with Sir Elton John to speak in the courtyard of the presidential Elysee Palace in Paris. Picture: Lewis Joly/Reuters
Macron took the meeting with the pop legend as an opportunity to
appeal for the fight against dangerous diseases such as AIDS,
tuberculosis and malaria.
Because of these diseases, there are still 2.7 million deaths
worldwide, according to French data.
In October, the donors of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis
and Malaria are scheduled to meet in Lyon.
They are aiming to raise at least 13 billion dollars for the next
three years, the presidential office said.
"We have to find financing," Macron said.
