JK Rowling, author of the best-selling Harry Potter series, has been conferred with the Legion of Honour, France's highest civilian award.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy bestowed Rowling with the honorary title of 'knight' at a ceremony in the Elysee Palace Tuesday, reports mirror.co.uk.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
"This has a personal meaning,” said Rowling.
Rowling's great-grandfather, who was French, received it in 1924 for courage in the First World War.
She also thanked readers for not holding a grudge because she gave evil Voldemort a French name, said guardian.co.uk.
"I needed a name which evoked power and exoticism," she said, adding that "Voldemort himself is 100 percent English".
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}{{#usCountry}}