His Majesty The King paid personal tribute to Inspector Gareth Earp

17 January 2024

When Inspector Gareth Earp tragically died it was felt by everyone who knew him within Dyfed Powys Police Force and the Federation. As she pays tribute to her husband, his wife Tamsin tells how the invaluable support from Dyfed Powys Police Federation has ‘stopped her from drowning’ these past six months. And we hear how His Majesty The King personally wrote a letter to Tamsin expressing his ‘deepest’ sympathies after Gareth died.

Father-of-three Gareth died in a car accident on his way home from work in June, just a few weeks before he was due to be the team leader for the motorbike escort for the Royal couple during their visit to Brecon. 

Tamsin Earp has recalled how she received a letter from His Majesty King Charles III and an invite to meet him and Queen Camilla following the death of her ‘humble, modest and passionate police officer’ husband Gareth.

“You’d never know it but Gareth constantly worked a lot with VIPs like His Majesty The King - he was very humble and modest about his work, he never bragged, he would just take every day in his stride,” said 43-year-old Tamsin.

“When he died, not only did we receive a letter from The King but we were invited to meet him during his visit to the Brecon. It was very surreal, we didn’t expect it at all - but it demonstrates just how much of an impact Gareth had on everyone.”

 

Inspector Gareth Earp and wife Tamsin.

 

In the letter addressed to Tamsin, which is now proudly framed in their family home, His Majesty King Charles III says:

“I wanted to write and say how greatly shocked and saddened I was to hear the utterly tragic news about your husband, Gareth. My wife and I cannot bear it for you that you should have to endure such a cruel and heartbreaking tragedy and you have no idea how deeply we feel for you and your three sons.”

The letter later refers to Gareth as ‘Earpy’ - the nickname his was known as by many - before calling him a ‘passionate, well respected and highly valued member of Dyfed Powys Police’. 

It says: “My wife and I are incredibly grateful for the work Gareth undertook,” before adding: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to such highly professional and dedicated police officers as your dear husband.”

The letter ends: “I did so want you to know how much you and your sons are in our special thoughts and prayers at such a dreadfully difficult time.”

During the Royal visit to Brecon, Tamsin and her three sons were invited to visit His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Recalling the visit Tamsin said: “It wasn’t a quick, meet and greet. We were invited to a private room and both King Charles and Queen Camilla spent time with us.

 

Inspector Gareth Earp on patrol.

 

“It was very emotional, especially for our sons. I remember Queen Camilla wrapping her arm around my youngest and saying ‘don’t be afraid’. She told us how she still speaks to her dad [who died in 2006] every day.

“Both King Charles and Queen Camilla had so much time for us. They were both very lovely.

“The letter alone was really special but meeting them made me feel so proud of Gareth and the person he was.”

Just a month after Gareth died, Care of Police Survivors (COPS) held its annual remembrance service, which Tamsin attended, alongside Dyfed Police Federation chair Gareth Jones.

“When my Gareth died, having ‘Fed Gareth’ [Gareth Jones] there was exactly what me and the family needed,” recalled Tamsin.

“He looked after us from day one and continued to keep in touch to make sure we were OK. Him being there has stopped us all from drowning these past six months. He is such a brilliant person and I can’t thank him enough for his continued support.”

Not only was Gareth a valued member of Dyfed Powys Police Force, but he was also a husband, a dad and chairman of Rhayader Town Football Club. 

“Aside from policing, football was Gareth’s passion - so much so, that I ended up becoming a ‘football mum’ so we could spend time together,” Tamsin joked.

“He was a brilliant dad and the kids are so grounded because of him. He was fun but also strict when he needed to be. As a husband, he would do anything for me. Everything we do now, we do to make him proud.”

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