Queen gives Chrétien Order of Merit

Queen Elizabeth has appointed former prime minister Jean Chrétien to the Order of Merit, placing him in the exclusive ranks of such figures as Albert Schweitzer, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela.

The award, founded in 1902 by King Edward VII, is given to “individuals of exceptional distinction in the arts, learning, sciences and other areas such as public service,” according to a news release from the press secretary of the Queen.

Given how few foreigners receive the Order of Merit, it’s certainly quite the honour – the Queen certainly must think highly of the former PM.

For those keeping track, the Queen also awarded Pearson this honour in 1971, while Mackenzie King received the order from King George in ’47.