The fathers of two murdered policewomen have hailed the new Elizabeth Emblem as a fitting “tribute” to their daughters and others who have died in the line of duty.
Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone both received the emblem from the King during the first presentation of the awards, following the deaths of their daughters, Pcs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, who were murdered after answering a 999 call.
King Charles III presents an Elizabeth Emblem to Paul Bone, for Police Constable Fiona Bone who served with Greater Manchester Police (Aaron Chown/PA)
Charles spent an hour with the families of 38 men and women who were fire fighters, police officers or other public servants, chatting about the loved ones they lost and handing over the nation’s gratitude in the form of the emblem.
Pcs Nicola Hughes, 23, and Fiona Bone, 32, were murdered by Dale Cregan in a gun and grenade attack after responding to a 999 call in Hattersley, Greater Manchester in 2012.
Following a campaign by Mr Hughes and Mr Bone, it was announced earlier this year that the emblem would be awarded to the next of kin of police officers, firefighters and other public servants.
Elizabeth Emblems will be awarded to the next of kin of police officers, firefighters and other public servants (Aaron Chown/PA)
Mr Hugues, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire said after the Windsor Castle ceremony: “We can’t change what’s happened, but I think if we can remember them and honour them in this way, that’s a quite efficient tribute – quite rightly so as well.”
He added: “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.”
Mr Bone, from Pool in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire said: “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.”