POLOKO MOKHELE   MASERU (TMGLive) – Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mamohato Seeiso will today be awarded the Commander of the Order of Academic Palms by the Ambassador of the Republic of France to Lesotho, His Excellency Mr. Christophe Farnaud at a ceremony to be held at the Royal Palace. The Order of Academic Palms is the Oldest Civilian Order in France given to people who have demonstrated an exceptional interest and commitment in the sphere of education. Furthermore, this is considered as a gesture by the French government of deepening the already existing cordial relations between the two countries which date back to the arrival of French Missionaries in Lesotho in the 1800s. According to a press release by the Foreign Affairs and International Relations Ministry, Her Majesty ‘Masenate Seeiso was nominated for the award because “of her exceptional commitment towards education and other related projects, such as the Queen’s National Trust Fund, Hlokomela Bana and Hlokomela Banana”. Her Majesty is also a French Language learner at Allaince Francaise. Mr. Farnaud will deliver the award on behalf of the President of the Republic of France, His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Macron. Among dignitaries expected to grace the ceremony are Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lesego Makgothi, Minister of Education and Training, Prof Ntoi Rapapa, Deputy Prime Minister Monyane Moleleki and their Majesties. HE Mr. Farnaud will be in Lesotho on a two-day visit, from today till tomorrow.