Kathmandu, May 12:

French Ambassador to Nepal Michel Jolivet, on behalf of the French government, awarded the ‘Medal of Honour of the French Foreign Ministry’ to Badri KC, maitre d’hotel (butler) of the French ambassador’s residence, for his over four-decade-long service in the French embassy.

KC first worked for non-resident French ambassadors coming from New Delhi and joined the service as a watchman in the French Residence in 1967 after the French embassy was opened in Nepal. KC has already served 12 French ambassadors.

“His service reflects commendable qualities and a deep sense of professionalism and has contributed quite significantly to Franco-Nepal friendship,” the French embassy stated

in a press statement issued here today. The award is given to those service-holders who have served the French state for long.