Today, at a poignant ceremony held at Windsor Castle, The King presented the first Elizabeth Emblems, honouring public servants, such as police officers, firefighters, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
This historic recognition acknowledges the profound sacrifices made by these individuals and provides a formal acknowledgment to their families, many of whom have waited decades for such recognition.
More than 30 families gathered at the Castle to receive the Elizabeth Emblem on behalf of their loved ones from The King. The inaugural awards included tributes to individuals whose deaths occurred as far back as 1948. Among them was PC Nathaniel Edgar, who was tragically shot in north London, and firefighter Leslie Marsh, who perished in a blaze in 1949. Marsh’s children, Robert Marsh, 81, and Carole Henbury, 83, were present to receive the honour.
Carole expressed a deep sense of pride, stating, ‘Everybody here, they deserve recognition and it’s taken too long to get it.’ Robert reflected on his father’s life beyond his firefighting duties, sharing that he was a talented pianist whose music once captivated neighbours.
The Honour came to fruition after a campaign led by Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone, whose daughters, PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone were murdered in Greater Manchester in 2012 while responding to a call. The fathers advocated for a way to formally recognise the sacrifices of public servants who died in the line of duty.
Speaking after the ceremony, Bryn Hughes shared, ‘It’s been a long arduous campaign but it’s been worthwhile in the end, to see so many families here today receiving it after so many years’. Paul Bone echoed these sentiments, emphasising the significance of this long-awaited acknowledgment: ‘It’s nice to be at the end of the process and [get] recognition finally from the state for people who have lost their lives.’
The Elizabeth Emblem is a civilian counterpart to the Elizabeth Cross, which honours members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or due to terrorist attacks. Designed with a rosemary wreath – a symbol of remembrance – encircling the Tudor Crown, the emblem bears the inscription “For A Life Given In Service.”
The reverse side is personalised with the name of the individual being honoured. A pin accompanies the award, allowing family members to wear it in tribute to their loved one.
As The King handed over these emblems today, the ceremony served as a reminder of the debt of gratitude owed to public servants who put their lives on the line for their communities. This enduring recognition ensures that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.
