The memorial stone was revealed today (20 February) by Prime Minister Theresa May at a reception at Downing Street attended by PC Palmer’s family, friends and colleagues before being moved to its permanent position outside the Houses of Parliament.
PC Palmer, 48, was stabbed by Khalid Masood while on duty outside of the Palace of Westminster on 22 March 2017.
The remembrance stone - which was specially commissioned by the Police Memorial Trust in consultation with PC Palmer's family - will sit at the Carriage Gates near where he was attacked.
National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter, who attended the unveiling and laid a wreath on behalf of the Federation, said: “Today has been a deeply humbling experience and I am honoured to have been invited to attend such a special event.
“The memorial, located a few feet from where Keith fell, is a fitting tribute and should serve as a reminder to all of the sacrifice he made that day.
“My thoughts, and those of the whole police family, are as ever with Keith’s family and colleagues; and I hope in some small way this memorial will bring them comfort, and reassurance that that he will never be forgotten.”
Mr Apter continued: “On that fateful day in March 2017 Keith was carrying out his duty at Parliament as he had done many times before. The tragic events that unfolded that day will stay with us all forever.
“PC Palmer was murdered as he attempted to protect the public, he paid the ultimate sacrifice for doing his job.”
Metropolitan Police Federation Chair Ken Marsh, who laid a wreath on behalf of his members, said: “This Memorial rightly recognises that PC Keith Palmer is a national hero.
“It is without doubt that Keith’s actions that day saved the lives of others, but unfortunately it was at the sacrifice of his own life. We are, and will always be, immensely proud of what Keith did that day.”
Mrs Geraldine Winner, Chair of the Police Memorial Trust said: “The Police Memorial Trust are proud to place this memorial to PC Keith Palmer in the heart of our Nation’s historic capital, the very the place Keith lost his life protecting so well.
“There is no doubt that Keith’s bravery made him a true hero. His actions personified the service, courage and sacrifice the ordinary British Bobbies give to the people our country every single day.
“Nothing will ever ease the pain his wife, daughter and family feel but we hope our memorial will show them that their loved, Keith Palmer, will never be forgotten.”
Prime Minister Theresa May also spoke during the service and described PC Palmer as a hero and praised his “selfless sacrifice”.
Four other people also lost their lives in the attack when Masood drove a car in to pedestrians on Westminster Bridge. They were Kurt Cochran, Andreea Cristea, Aysha Frade, and Leslie Rhodes.
