The Custodian of the Crown, Margareta, hosted, on Thursday, in the Hall of Kings, the Elisabeta Palace Evening dedicated to the French Republic, on which occasion Her Majesty was awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honor, in the rank of Officer.

In his speech, the French Ambassador to Romania, Nicolas Warnery, praised the 'work and role' that Her Majesty Margareta plays, 'both in Romania and abroad', 'her loyalty to an ideal of openness, progress, tolerance, mutual support and sharing', the way in which she 'serves the Romanian people with discretion and determination'.

'Since the passing of King Mihai, you have been the Guardian of the Crown. Through your presence, actions and moral authority, you are a symbol of continuity, stability and cohesion in a Romania that, after decades of dictatorship, needed and still needs landmarks and memory. With elegance and dignity, you have given the monarchical principle a modern embodiment and a contemporary meaning: not that of power, but that of service. Through your humanitarian work, especially within the Princess Margareta of Romania Foundation, you have made a concrete contribution to improving the lives of thousands of your compatriots, from disadvantaged children to isolated elderly people. Your work in support of culture, education and dialogue between generations and between peoples demonstrates a vision modernity and a firm commitment to the future of your country. You have supported, with unwavering determination, the efforts to reconstruct and modernize Romania,'' the French diplomat emphasized.

Nicolas Warnery noted 'with pride and delight' the contribution of His Majesty, 'as a Francophone and Francophile', to the 'integration and use' of French culture in his career and in the understanding of Europe.

'Through your close ties with our institutions, with civil society and with the representatives of France in Bucharest, you have worked tirelessly to consolidate this precious relationship between our two nations. Through your activities and the numerous visits you have made to France, you are a bridge between East and West, between memory and modernity, between heritage and democratic commitment. 'Your discreet but determined diplomacy is based on what unites us: history, culture and values,' the ambassador pointed out.

He stressed that, in a context in which democracies are being tested, 'the voice, presence and commitment' of Her Majesty Marguerite 'serve as an essential compass and landmark for those who defend the principles to which we are all attached.'

'Today, the French Republic wishes to recognize once again your exceptional commitment, the services you have brought to your country and your contribution to promoting Franco-Romanian friendship. This is the reason why, on behalf of the President of the Republic and by virtue of the powers conferred upon us, we offer you the distinction of Officer of the Legion of Honor', concluded the French ambassador.

The Royal Evening took place in the presence of Prince Radu, who evoked the history of Romanian-French relations, from the Union of the Principalities to King Michael I and the Custodian of the Crown Margareta. Princess Sofia and Princess Maria were present.

The Minister of Defense, Radu Miruta, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana Toiu, evoked, in their addresses, the collaboration between the ministries they represent and the French Government and praised the contribution of the Custodian of the Crown to the international promotion of Romania.

In her speech, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown considered the conferment of the French distinction as 'a great responsibility'.

'I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I feel proud and this encourages me to continue in the fight for democracy, for my country, to maintain ties with France. I am sorry that my mother is not here; she would have been very, very proud. It is an honor for my country and for me personally. I greet and greatly appreciate the presence of the representatives of the Romanian state. Thank you once again', Her Majesty Margareta said.

Representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Government, the Romanian Army, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and personalities from civil society took part in the ceremony.

After the decoration ceremony, the event also included an official dinner in the Great Dining Room of the Palace. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Daniel Popescu; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)