Poland's Highest Distinction for Poet Szymborska

The Presidential Chancellery in Warsaw has announced that celebrated Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska has been awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest distinction. Past recipients include Polish individuals such as Pope John Paul II or author Stanislaw Lem, as well as many other international figures such as former Czech President Vaclav Havel and reigning Queen Elizabeth II.

The 87-year-old Krakow-based Szymborska has published over 200 poems in her career. In 1996 she was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature, broadening her audience to a truly international level.

Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski will present the order to Szymborska on 17 January 2011 in a ceremony at the Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow.