Both orders were bestowed upon the famous Danish politician, Poul Hartling (1914–2000). Following a career as a teacher and principal of Zahle's teacher's college he entered national politics in 1957. Hartling became foreign minister in 1968, and from 1973–1975 he held the position as prime minister of Denmark. In 1977 he left Danish politics to serve as High Commissioner for the UN from 1978 to 1985. In 1981, during Hartling's tenure, the UNHCR was awarded the Nobel peace prize.