Bavarian leader Markus Söder grants Jürgen Drews the Bavarian Order of Merit.
Jürgen Drews, affectionately known as the "King of Mallorca," has been awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit, one of the highest honours bestowed by the Free State. The prestigious award was presented by Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister-President, at a ceremony held at the Munich Residence on Wednesday.
Drews, who moved from Northern Germany to Munich last year with his wife Ramona, expressed his gratitude for the honour on Instagram ahead of the ceremony. The singer was one of 63 personalities to receive the Bavarian Order of Merit this year, joining a distinguished list of recipients that includes volunteers, nurses, journalists, restaurateurs, and other prominent individuals.
However, while the sources do note that there are prominent individuals who have received the Bavarian Order of Merit at various times, none of the provided sources detail a comprehensive list of all recipients from 2021, nor confirm Drews' inclusion. For an official, complete list of 2021 recipients, one would need to consult the Bavarian State Chancellery’s official announcements, as news media and other sources typically only highlight certain notable individuals by name.
Drews was honoured for both his musical achievements and his social commitment. Notably, his work with the LebensBlicke Foundation for colon cancer prevention was highlighted. During the ceremony, Drews was speechless about receiving the Bavarian Order of Merit, as depicted in an accompanying video.
Markus Söder described the recipients of the Bavarian Order of Merit as role models and sources of courage. The award cannot be bought or inherited - it must be earned. Drews was praised as a "role model of social responsibility and joy of life."
On the day of the ceremony, Drews attended the event wearing traditional white leather pants and a waistcoat. His fellow recipients this year include Schlager colleague Michael Holm, the Kessler twins, radio legend Fritz Egner, football coaches Hermann Gerland and Felix Magath, football legend Franz "Bulle" Roth, and TV commentator Marcel Reif.
The Bavarian Order of Merit has been awarded since 1957 and has a maximum of 2,000 living people allowed to bear the honor at any one time. This year's ceremony serves as a testament to the dedication and impact of these exceptional individuals, continuing the tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in Bavaria.
Drews shared his gratitude for the Bavarian Order of Merit on social media ahead of the ceremony, joining a list of recipients that includes celebrities, journalists, and entertainers. The singer was honored for his musical achievements and social commitment, particularly his work with the LebensBlicke Foundation for colon cancer prevention.
