King Charles awards first Elizabeth Emblems to emergency staff who died in line of duty

presented the first Elizabeth Emblems this afternoon, a new honour that recognises former firefighters, police officers, and other public servants who died in the line of duty, in an emotional ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Charles, 76, held the special ceremony shortly after conducting an Investiture Ceremony and gave the award to the next of kin of the 38 people recognised for their sacrifice.

Guests were told that just before the poignant ceremony, the monarch sat and reviewed every person who was being posthumously honoured so that he was aware of each individual situation.

Among those honoured, were PC Andrew Harper, who was dragged to his death by a getaway car in 2019, and Rebecca Dykes, the only British diplomat killed in public service since records began.

Lissie Harper successfully campaigned for Harper’s Law, to give mandatory life sentences to the killers of emergency service workers.

The Elizabeth Emblem, named in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II, was announced earlier this year.

It is a silver oval that incorporates a rosemary wreath—a traditional symbol of remembrance—and the Tudor Crown.

It bears the inscription “For a Life Given in Service” and will have the name of the person it commemorates on the reverse.

The King awarded the first batch of honours this morning, honouring 38 former public servants who died between 1948 and 2019, including 24 police officers, 12 firefighters, a nursing officer, and a diplomat.

Charles arrived in the State Dining Room to the sound of a string quartet before making his way round the room and presenting emblems to 15 of the families gathered.

He carefully lifted the awards off a crimson cushion held by Lieutenant Colonel Mike Vernon, Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain’s Office, and chatted to the families before moving into the Crimson Room – which featured a large Christmas Tree at its centre – and the Green Room where the remaining families were gathered.

Some received a scroll for wider members of the family which had been personally signed by the King.

Among the first recipients were Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone, whose daughters PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes died in 2012 after responding to a hoax 999 call.

The unarmed officers were shot and attacked with a grenade after being lured to the address by an offender wanted for murder.

Mr Hughes had campaigned for the award after being “surprised” there was no official state recognition specifically for emergency service workers who had died in the line of duty.

Speaking afterwards he said: “I wouldn’t let it go, I wouldn’t take no for an answer. There wasn’t any resistance or reluctance it just took a lot of time getting it done.”

Mr Bones added: “It’s been a long arduous campaign but it’s been worthwhile, and to see so many families here today receiving it after so many years. It’s been quite poignant, quite emotional at times. “

Mr Bones said the King asked his young grandson, who joined him for the ceremony. But the shy youngster didn’t give a response.

Sally Taylor, the widow of PC George Taylor, who was killed while on patrol on November 30, 1976 received an emblem today.

He was attacked by two men dressed in prison uniform who had escaped from The State Hospital at Carstairs in Lanarkshire.

Also receiving the emblem is Archibald MacLellan, son of Neil MacLellan, a Nursing Officer on duty at the State Hospital that night. He was also killed, along with a patient, by the two men who escaped.

Firefighter Leslie Marsh’s daughter was awarded the emblem 75 years after he died falling through a hole in the first floor of a derelict church when responding to a fire alongside a crew from Central Fire Station on February 7, 1949.

Carole Henbury, 83, said she and her brother Robert Marsh, 81, who joined her at the ceremony, were just eight and five when their father died.

Their mother was forced to work three jobs to keep the family afloat, as her husband’s firefighter pension was just 18 shillings a year.

She said that she was honoured to be here today, adding: “It took a long time but I am so proud to accept it on behalf of my father.

“Everybody here, they deserve recognition. It has taken too long to get it but I am very honoured to receive it now from His Majesty.”

Ms Henbury said that the King told her: “I’m 76, and it’s taken you 75 years to get your emblem.”

She was particularly impressed by how knowledgeable the monarch was, and said: “The Lord Chamberlain said before he [the King] came into this room, they were all sat in there going through each person’s individual situation so that he was aware of everybody that was in the room and what had happened to their families.”

Her brother added “My only regret is that it hadn’t been issued earlier” but hailed Mr Hughes and Mr Bone for instigating the award.

The first female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime was also honoured.

Fleur Lombard, of Avon Fire and Rescue Service, died while tackling a blaze started by an arsonist at a supermarket near Bristol in 1996.

Her sister Rebecca Lombarde-Earl, who was there with her 17-year-old son Rowan, shed a few tears after the King handed her the emblem and said afterwards that they spoke about how her sister was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal from the late monarch.

“He was really pleasant to both of us,” she said. “And he sent his regards to my parents because they couldn’t be here and chatted about how they were of a similar age to him and what an age it is to be.”

Among the last to receive the emblem was Jane Houng, whose daughter was raped and strangled with a rope by a taxi driver in Beirut, Lebanon in December 2017 while working at the British Embassy.

She has since found new purpose with her mission to save women’s lives through Becky’s Button, the world’s smallest panic alarm which she now distributes to vulnerable women worldwide.

Ms Houng said the King was keen to see the device, with Karium Kattouf, a member of Becky’s Buttonn team who attended the ceremony adding: “He touched it but what’s more interesting is I think he realised its importance and acknowledged it’s value.”

Becky’s mother added: “This recognition actually gives us an opportunity to raise the profile of Becky’s Button… It is an honour and a recognition. It strengthens my resolve to continue her legacy.”

The Prime Minister, Sir said: “We must never forget those who have given their lives to protect others in the line of duty.

“While families will never be able to replace their loved ones, the Elizabeth Emblem pays tribute to the sacrifice they have made.”

The Elizabeth Emblem is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who die in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

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

NHS workers who died during the pandemic will also be eligible for the award.

Applications are verified and the George Cross Committee then assesses them. Recommendations are then made to the King and prime minister.