In honour of first responders who died in the line of duty, King Charles presented the first Elizabeth Emblems. The emblems were given to the families of more than 30 men and women at an awards ceremony at Windsor Castle. For some families, the recognition is decades in the making.
The award features a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, and the inscription: “For A Life Given In Service.”
The first awards recognise sacrifice dating back more than 70 years. The earliest honour went to PC Nathaniel Edgar who was shot in North London in 1948. Honours also went to Leslie Marsh from West Midlands Fire Service who died in 1949 when he fell through the floor of a burning building while fighting a blaze. His children, 81-year-old Robert Marsh and 83-year-old Carole Henbury accepted the award on his behalf.
Carole Hendbury said ”I’m so proud to accept it on behalf of my father and my mother. Everybody here, they deserve recognition and it’s taken too long to get it. This man could play the piano so beautifully that people would stand outside the house and listen to him play, it was just incredible.”
The first Elizabeth Emblems also recognised the sacrifice of two police officers, Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, who were killed in a gun and grenade ambush while responding to a call in Tameside in 2012. Their fathers, Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone, received the wards.
Bryn Hughes said “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. It’s been quite poignant quite, emotional at times.”
Paul Bone also spoke afterwards, saying: “It’s nice to be at the end of the process and to get recognition finally from the state for people who have lost their lives.”
Most of the initial group being honoured included those in police and fire services. Rebecca Dykes was also honoured. She died in 2017 while working for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
