Awards and honours received by Merkel include a special issue of the Grand Cross First Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, and twenty-one doctorates honoris causa.

She will be a wonderful and unforgettable woman in history

During her rule over Germany, Merkel was repeatedly referred to as the de facto leader of the European Union and the most powerful woman in the world.  And many commentators have described him as the leader of the free world.