Patricia Connell, a long-time advocate for the French community in the United Kingdom, has been named a Knight of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction. The recognition, officially presented at the French Residence in London on April 3, 2025, was met with surprise and deep emotion by Connell, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honor. Her nomination was backed by Marie-José Clayton, president of the UK chapter of the Association of Members of the National Order of Merit, and Guy Audibert from the Association of French Veterans in Great Britain.
Connell’s journey began over four decades ago when she moved to London at the age of 20 to accompany her British husband, who was completing his studies. What started as a temporary relocation soon evolved into a permanent settlement. Connell also completed her own studies and began a successful marketing career. Over time, however, she felt a renewed connection to her French roots, especially after becoming a mother to three children. Eager to pass on the French language and culture, she enrolled them in French schools and took further steps to bridge the gap between France and the French diaspora in London.
In 1998, she launched France in London, a website aimed at providing the French community with access to cultural, social, and practical information. This was followed by France to Your Door, a business that allowed people to buy authentic French goods in the UK. These initiatives helped to deepen her involvement with the community and solidify her role as a connector between French culture and the British context.
Her enthusiasm didn’t stop there. Connell went on to create the London Favourite French Film Festival, offering audiences the opportunity to vote for their top films of the year. She organized festive events like French fairs, Christmas markets, and celebrations for Bastille Day at Kensington Gardens and the French Lycée in London. During the 2007 Tour de France’s London stage, she was instrumental in setting up a French Village, further highlighting her commitment to promoting French culture.
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But Connell’s work extended beyond cultural events. In response to the Brexit referendum, she organized a highly informative event titled “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” to help EU nationals understand the implications of Brexit. In 2018, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched a mutual aid platform, providing critical support to isolated and vulnerable French citizens in the UK.
Her public service also extended into politics. In 2014, she joined Senator Olivier Cadic’s senatorial list and, though initially reluctant to be elected, found herself as the tenth member on a list that won nine seats. That marked her official entry into French political representation abroad. As a consular delegate, she travelled extensively throughout the UK to explain Brexit’s impact and was integral in the foundation of The 3Million, a citizen rights movement, and The People’s Vote, an initiative born from her earlier Brexit-focused conference.
In 2021, she was elected Councillor for French citizens abroad and currently sits in the Assembly of French Citizens Abroad. She also leads the Consular Council, a role she assumed last year.
Receiving the Legion of Honor is a testament to her long-standing dedication and impact. “This is a great honor,” she said, “but I know it’s also a collective achievement. It’s thanks to those who believed in me and worked alongside me.”
Even after decades of service, Connell remains enthusiastic about future projects. She hopes to continue contributing to the French community, particularly by working with youth on education initiatives and supporting vulnerable elderly populations.
Her story is one of resilience, commitment, and a deeply rooted love for community — a journey that continues to inspire both sides of the Channel.
This article is originally published on london.frenchmorning.
