City of London Police officers to receive special Coronation Medal

9 May 2023

City of London Police officers will receive a special Coronation Medal as a thank-you gift from the nation to commemorate tomorrow’s historic event.

All serving frontline police officers with more than five years’ service will receive the medal, along with emergency service workers, prison staff and members of the armed forces. It will also be given to ambulance workers, choristers and military personnel working at the Coronation.

In total, more than 400,000 people are to receive the medal in recognition of their contribution to the King's Coronation, including living recipients of the George Cross and Victoria Cross.

City of London Police Federation Chair Mike Reed said his members were proud to serve the King.

He said: “Around 100 City of London Police officers have volunteered to work at the Coronation this weekend because it means a lot to them to be part of this historic event.

“Police officers hold dear the link with our sovereign, from whom we are given the power to use individual judgement and discretion, and not be politically aligned to the whims of Government.”

The medal features a double portrait of Their Majesties The King and Queen Consort on the front and a version of the Royal Cypher, a laurel wreath and the date of the Coronation on the reverse. It is made of nickel silver and plated in nickel, and has a ribbon with red, blue and white stripes.

The tradition of Coronation Medals dates back to the reign of King James I, when the medal featured a bust of the king in the costume of a Roman emperor.

Mike continued: “In a time when policing is getting a bad press, it is good news that officers are recognised for the special role and relationship we have within communities.

“God save the King! And for all those working tomorrow, enjoy being part of history.”