Award List
King Edward VII
(The Founders ' Entente Cordiale Prizes)
King Edward VII played a pivotal role in the signing of the Entente Cordiale in 1904, which was a significant diplomatic agreement between the United Kingdom and France. As the monarch of the United Kingdom at the time, King Edward VII fostered closer ties between Britain and France, marking a departure from historical tensions and rivalries between the two nations.
His diplomatic efforts and personal relationships with key figures in the French government, including President Émile Loubet and Leon Gambetta, were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the Entente Cordiale. The agreement aimed to resolve colonial disputes between the two countries, particularly in Africa and elsewhere, and establish a cooperative relationship based on mutual interests and understanding.
King Edward VII's commitment to diplomacy and his efforts to promote peace and stability in Europe contributed to the successful negotiation and signing of the Entente Cordiale. This landmark agreement paved the way for closer diplomatic, military, and economic cooperation between Britain and France, ultimately reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Europe in the early 20th century.
President Émile
(The Founders ' Entente Cordiale Prizes)
President Émile Loubet of France played a crucial role alongside King Edward VII in the signing of the Entente Cordiale in 1904. As the President of France during that period, Loubet worked closely with British officials to strengthen Franco-British relations and resolve longstanding disputes between the two nations.
Loubet's leadership and diplomatic skills were essential in navigating the complexities of French foreign policy and garnering domestic support for the Entente Cordiale. His commitment to cooperation with Britain and his willingness to compromise on colonial issues helped pave the way for the historic agreement.
President Émile Loubet's efforts, in conjunction with King Edward VII's, facilitated the establishment of a new era of friendship and collaboration between France and the United Kingdom. The Entente Cordiale not only resolved tensions between the two countries but also laid the foundation for future alliances and partnerships that would shape the course of European history.
Queen Elizabeth II
(The Centenary Entente Cordiale Prizes)
Queen Elizabeth II played a significant role in upholding and strengthening the principles of the Entente Cordiale between the United Kingdom and France throughout her reign. As the longest-reigning monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth consistently fostered diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two nations, embodying the spirit of friendship and partnership established by the Entente Cordiale.
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II made numerous state visits to France, engaging in cultural exchanges, diplomatic meetings, and official ceremonies that helped solidify the bonds between the two countries. These visits served to highlight the enduring friendship between Britain and France and reinforce the shared values and interests that underpin the Entente Cordiale.
Additionally, Queen Elizabeth II worked closely with successive French presidents, including Charles de Gaulle, François Mitterrand, Jacques Chirac, and Emmanuel Macron, to promote bilateral cooperation on a range of issues, from defence and security to trade and cultural exchange. Her diplomatic efforts contributed to the strengthening of Franco-British ties and the deepening of mutual understanding and respect between the two nations.
Furthermore, Queen Elizabeth II's role as a symbolic figurehead of the Commonwealth also facilitated closer ties between France and the wider international community. Through her commitment to multilateralism and diplomacy, she helped to promote peace, prosperity, and cooperation across Europe and beyond, in line with the principles of the Entente Cordiale.
President Jacques Chirac
(The Centenary Entente Cordiale Prizes)
Jacques Chirac, as the President of France from 1995 to 2007, played a significant role in furthering the spirit of the Entente Cordiale between France and the United Kingdom. President Chirac's tenure saw efforts to deepen the Franco-British relationship across various domains.
During his presidency, President Chirac worked to strengthen diplomatic ties between France and the UK, building on the historical foundations laid by the Entente Cordiale. He engaged in numerous high-level meetings, summits, and state visits with British leaders, fostering dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
President Chirac's commitment to the Entente Cordiale was particularly evident in his efforts to enhance Franco-British cooperation within the European Union and NATO. He advocated for closer collaboration between the two countries on matters of European integration, defence, security, and foreign policy.
Additionally, President Chirac prioritized cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections between France and the UK, recognizing the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. Through initiatives promoting cultural exchange, education, and tourism, he sought to deepen mutual understanding and appreciation between the peoples of France and Britain.
Sir Winston Churchill
(The Warriors Entente Cordiale Prizes)
Sir Winston Churchill, as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, played a crucial role in upholding and reinforcing the principles of the Entente Cordiale between Britain and France. Despite the challenges of war, Churchill maintained a strong commitment to cooperation and solidarity with France, aligning his policies with the spirit of the Entente Cordiale. On 16 June 1940, the British government under Sir Winston Churchill offered complete and indissoluble political union with France.
Churchill's leadership during the war emphasized the importance of the Franco-British alliance in confronting the Axis powers and preserving democracy in Europe. He worked closely with French leaders, including Charles de Gaulle, to coordinate military strategies, intelligence sharing, and logistical support, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration between the two nations.
Churchill's vision for post-war Europe was a strong partnership between Britain and France, anchored in the principles of peace, democracy, and collective security. He championed the idea of a united Europe, in which France and Britain would play leading roles, working together to prevent future conflicts and promote prosperity and stability on the continent.
Churchill's legacy as a staunch advocate for the Entente Cordiale endures to this day, symbolizing the enduring bond between Britain and France forged through shared history, values, and mutual respect. His leadership during World War II and his vision for a united Europe laid the groundwork for continued cooperation and friendship between the two nations in the post-war era.
General Charles de Gaulle
(The Warriors Entente Cordiale Prizes)
General Charles de Gaulle played a pivotal role in the history of the Entente Cordiale between France and the United Kingdom. The Appeal of 18 June was the first speech made by Charles de Gaulle after his arrival in London in 1940 following the Battle of France.
De Gaulle's leadership during World War II and his role in the Free French Forces earned him respect and admiration from the British people and government. His collaboration with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and other Allied leaders was instrumental in coordinating military strategies and efforts to defeat Nazi Germany, laying the foundation for a strong alliance between France and the UK.
Throughout his political career, de Gaulle's leadership and statesmanship helped to consolidate the bonds of friendship and cooperation established by the Entente Cordiale, contributing to a legacy of enduring partnership between France and the United Kingdom.
The Marquis of Lansdowne
(The Signatories Entente Cordiale Prizes)
The Marquis of Lansdowne, also known as Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, was a prominent British statesman who played a significant role in diplomatic affairs during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Serving as the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs from 1900 to 1905, Lansdowne was involved in shaping British foreign policy, including efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with other European powers.
His tenure as Foreign Secretary coincided with a period of significant diplomatic activity. During this time, Lansdowne worked to maintain stability in Europe and fostered strong cooperation France. His diplomatic efforts laid the groundwork for initiatives like the Entente Cordiale, which he signed on behalf of the United Kingdom on April 8, 1904.
In the broader context of European diplomacy, the Marquis of Lansdowne's contributions to British foreign policy helped to shape the alliances and agreements that would define the continent's geopolitical landscape for decades to come. Lansdowne's diplomatic stewardship during this period contributed to the overall spirit of cooperation and rapprochement between Britain and France.
Paul Cambon
(The Signatories Entente Cordiale Prizes)
Paul Cambon, a distinguished French diplomat, played a pivotal role in the negotiation and implementation of the Entente Cordiale between France and the United Kingdom. As the French Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1898 to 1920, Cambon was at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to strengthen Franco-British relations during a crucial period in European history.
Cambon's tenure as ambassador coincided with a period of shifting alliances and heightened geopolitical tensions in Europe. Recognizing the need for closer cooperation between France and Britain, he worked tirelessly to cultivate a strong rapport with key figures in the British government and society including Prime Minister Lord Salisbury. His diplomatic skills and tactful approach were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the Entente Cordiale, which he signed on behalf of the French Republic on April 8, 1904.
Throughout the negotiation process, Cambon played a central role in bridging the gap between French and British interests, advocating for mutual understanding and compromise. His diplomatic efforts culminated in the signing of the Entente Cordiale in 1904, which marked a significant milestone in Franco-British relations and laid the foundation for future cooperation on diplomatic, military, and economic front.
Lord Williams of Elvel
(The Friends Entente Cordiale Prizes)
Lord Williams of Elvel was deputy Labour leader in the Lords. He played a pivotal role in the history of our project by launching in the House of Lords Chamber the idea of supporting a permanent alliance of students between our two great countries in the spirit of the Entente Cordiale. Lord Williams obtained on the very day of President Chirac Centenary of the Entente Cordiale Visit on 18 November 2004 the unanimous support of the House and of Her Majesty’s Government towards our project. Lord Williams was a Francophile and strong supporter of the Alliance. He wrote a brilliant biography of General De Gaulle and was married to Lady Williams of Elvel, who had been personal secretary to Sir Winston Churchill. He was also the stepfather of Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.
By launching this Entente Cordiale Day Annual Event on the 120th Anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, The Entente Cordiale Day Team aims to honour the legacy of the support of Lord Williams of Elvel and the whole House of Lords which we received on the 100th Anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.
Excerpts from the House of Lords debate, 18 November 2004:
Lord Triesman: “My Lords, I declare an unremunerated interest as a visiting fellow of the London School of Economics. I welcome the initiative taken by the students of the LSE and Sciences Po in setting up this link.”
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: “My Lords, I declare an interest as a staff member of the LSE who has been involved in improving links with Sciences Po.”
Baroness Falkner of Margravine: “My Lords, in the spirit of the entente cordiale, is it not entirely fitting that the students' union—in which I spent four happy years hanging around as an alumna of the LSE—are doing exactly what we needed to do in establishing links with Sciences Po?”
Lord Brooke of Sutton Mandeville: My Lords, given the predilection of students worldwide to oppose the government of the day in their countries, might there not be a possibility that faster progress would be made on the Question of the noble Lord, Lord Williams, if the Government indicated that they disapproved of the event?
Lord Triesman: My Lords, I am very grateful for imaginative suggestions. However, I fear that it is too late, as we have shown in every way we can that we approve of this initiative. I believe that there is to be a large seminar or conference in London at the beginning of December for which we have indicated our fullest support. So I do not think I am in any position to resile from that now, even if it were to bring temporary relief to the students who heard about it.
George Grosz
(The Friends Entente Cordiale Prizes)
With the help of some fellow alumni, George was the founder of the Association of LSE Alumni in France in 1982 and remained the honorary president until his death in 2021
George was a great friend of the alliance and one of its most vocal supporters.
George once said that LSE left an indelible stamp on his life, and we can say that he left an indelible stamp on ours.
London School of Economics
