Father of Slain Officer Expresses Pride in Receiving Emblem

Bryn Hughes, father of the late police officer Nicola Hughes, expressed an “immense feeling of pride and relief” upon accepting an award acknowledging his daughter’s sacrifice while on duty. Nicola Hughes, alongside her colleague Fiona Bone, was killed in 2012 during their service with Greater Manchester Police. For many years, Mr. Hughes advocated for this posthumous recognition. He was one of 30 family members presented with an inaugural Elizabeth Emblem by King Charles at a ceremony held at Windsor Castle. He remarked that it had “been a long journey” and mentioned that the King had commended him for his “tenacity.” He further stated, “We always said at the beginning, we’re never going to give up.” This award, presented to the families of public servants such as firefighters and police officers, functions as the civilian counterpart to the Elizabeth Cross. The Elizabeth Cross honors members of the UK armed forces who have died either in action or as a result of a terrorist attack. The emblem’s design incorporates a rosemary wreath, a long-standing symbol of remembrance, along with the inscription: “For A Life Given In Service”. Mr. Hughes noted that numerous other honored families expressed gratitude for his efforts in advocating for the recognition of their deceased relatives. He informed BBC Breakfast, “There were some people, going back to 1964, who never thought they’d see this day where they were actually awarded something so significant for the loss of their mums or dads.” He concluded, “For them to go home tonight and to look at the emblem, to do what they’re going to do with it, that leaves me with an immense feeling of pride.”