Pride and emotion as husband of Rosie Prior lights Memorial Day candle

7 October 2026

The husband of PC Rosie Prior has described the pride and emotion of lighting a candle in honour of fallen officers at this year’s National Police Memorial Day service.

The lighting of four candles, one for each of the four nations and their respective fallen officers, is a key part of the annual service, with Chris Prior lighting one for England.

He said: “It was incredibly difficult, really emotional, but also an incredibly proud moment to do so.

“There were nerves. I was slightly fearful of getting it wrong. But there was also a lot of pride.

Chris Prior (pic Anderson Photography)

“Those emotions were all there at once, and I was very happy and honoured that I was asked to do it.”

National Police Memorial Day brings together the family, friends and loved ones of officers who have died in the line of duty, as well as serving and retired officers of all ranks, politicians, civic and faith leaders, and members of the public to pay their respects.

This year’s service was held at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

Chris was joined by North Yorkshire Police Federation secretary Tony Barnes and reps Elaine Malcolm and Neil Williams.

Service

He said the service gave him the chance to spend time with other bereaved families he has come to know since attending his first National Police Memorial Day last year.

“It’s an amazing service,” Chris said.

“You get to meet people again, other bereaved families, and you get to see how they are and how we all help each other out, which is lovely.”

Chris said the sense of care and community extended beyond the families themselves, with officers and representatives from forces across the country taking the time to ask about him and his family.

This year, he travelled to the service alongside officers and representatives from North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire Police.

“Everyone I meet is always so kind and caring,” he said.

“They always ask about the boys and ask about me.

“It is just an amazing family of people when you’re with the police.”