The King has presented the families of emergency service personnel and public servants who died in the line of duty with a brand new award, named in honour of the late Queen.

The Elizabeth Emblem is given in memory of police officers, firefighters and other public servants who lost their lives while serving.

King Charles made the first presentations in a moving ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Over thirty families attended the event, the first time the Elizabeth Emblem has been given out.

The emblem features a depiction of a wreath of rosemary, a traditional symbol of remembrance. The leaves encircle a Tudor crown and the emblem also carries the words ”For a Life Given in Service”. On the back of the emblem is the name of the person in whose memory it is given.

The Elizabeth Emblem came about after a long campaign by families to win recognition for those who give their lives in the line of duty.

Bryn Hughes was one of the leaders of the campaign – his daughter, PC Nicola Hughes, was killed in a gun and grenade ambush in Tameside in 2012.

After the ceremony, Mr. Hughes said ””It was a very proud, poignant moment. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, it will over the coming days. A long but emotional day but worthwhile.”

Families of those who have lost their lives while on public service can apply for the awarding of the Elizabeth Emblem.