# North Rhine-Westphalia Order of Merit awards

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-rhine-westphalia-order-of-merit-awards
> Updated: 2026-08-26T18:26:04.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Minister President Hendrik Wüst awarded the Order of Merit to 16 individuals. The recipients were recognized for their contributions to culture, politics, and society.

Notable awardees included actress Veronica Ferres, honored for her film career and her commitment to child welfare and women’s rights, and former SPD federal chairman Franz Müntefering, recognized for his political service as Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. Other honorees included former Justice Minister Thomas Kutschaty, former Green Party parliamentary group leader Monika Düker, and comic artist Ralf König.

Following the recognition, actress Veronica Ferres and investor Carsten Maschmeyer announced their separation after more than 15 years together. Their lawyer, Christian Schertz, stated that the couple decided to part ways some time ago but remain in a ‘deep, trusting friendship.’ The pair, who married in 2014, cited the demanding nature of their respective careers—noting that their roles as an actress, producer, and investor require them to be in many different locations worldwide—as a factor in the decision and emphasized that the well-being of their families and stepchildren remains their top priority. 

The announcement follows recent public displays of affection on social media, including birthday tributes to one another and members of their blended family.

## Claims

- Ministerpräsident Hendrik Wüst honored Franz Müntefering for his political contributions. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Veronica Ferres was recognized for promoting North Rhine-Westphalia as a cultural and film location. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- A total of 16 recipients were awarded the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The awards were presented to mark the 80th anniversary of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Veronica Ferres has engaged in advocacy for women's rights and disadvantaged children. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Franz Müntefering previously served as the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and as Vice Chancellor. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Veronica Ferres and Carsten Maschmeyer announce separation

Veronica Ferres and Carsten Maschmeyer have announced their separation after twelve years together, stating they remain close friends.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/veronica-ferres-and-carsten-maschmeyer-announce-separation

### 2026-08-24: Veronica Ferres and Carsten Maschmeyer announce separation

Actress Veronica Ferres and investor Carsten Maschmeyer have announced an amicable separation after 15 years. Ferres was also awarded the North Rhine-Westphalia Order of Merit for her cultural contributions.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-rhine-westphalia-honors-16-citizens-with-order-of-merit

### 2026-08-19: Veronica Ferres to receive North Rhine-Westphalia Order of Merit

Actress Veronica Ferres and 15 others will receive the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia, recognized for cultural and social contributions, to be presented by Minister-President Hendrik Wüst.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/veronica-ferres-to-receive-north-rhine-westphalia-order-of-merit

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Cite as: North Rhine-Westphalia Order of Merit awards. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-rhine-westphalia-order-of-merit-awards