First Families Receive The Elizabeth Emblem

11 December 2024

The families of police officers who have died on duty have spoken of their honour and pride at receiving the new Elizabeth Emblem in their memory.

Named after the late Queen, the silver Emblem was today given to the next of kin of more than 30 deceased firefighters, police officers and public servants in recognition of their loved ones.

King Charles bestowed the honour to the families at a ceremony at Windsor Castle today.

The families of PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone, of Greater Manchester Police, DC Malcolm Wiltshire, of Hampshire Police, PC Lewis Fulton and PC George Taylor, of Strathclyde Police, PC Yvonne Fletcher and Sgt Alan King, of the Metropolitan Police, PC Andrew Harper, of Thames Valley Police, PC Neil Doyle, of Merseyside Police and Sgt Bill Forth, of Northumbria Police, were among the first recipients.

Bryn Hughes, father of PC Nicola Hughes, said today: "It was quite emotional. It was poignant but also proud to see many families receiving the emblem on behalf of their loved ones even going back to the 1960s... they have been waiting a long time."

Bryn was the driving force behind the campaign to have the medal granted.

He added: "It was a very proud, poignant moment. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, it will over the coming days. A long but emotional day but worthwhile.

"I think for the first batch of recipients it was lovely for us all to be together and for the King to present them to us."

Families and next of kin of those who have died in public service are encouraged to apply for an Elizabeth Emblem.

The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown.

It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem.

It includes a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.