The first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem have been announced today. The next of kin of over 30 former firefighters, police officers and other public servants who have died in public service will receive the award in recognition of their deceased loved ones.
The Emblem was announced earlier this year to commemorate public servants who died in the line of duty. The Emblem is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.
To mark the announcement of the first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem, the first batch of Emblems will be awarded by His Majesty The King later this year. 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 will include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.
Relatives of deceased emergency responders can apply for the emblem on the government’s website by filling in an application form and providing necessary supporting documents to meet the eligibility criteria.
NHS workers who died during the pandemic will also be eligible for the award.