King Charles to reward frontline forces with royal recognition

Something for the weekend: Frontline emergency service staff are among the 400,000 people set to receive a medal to mark the Coronation of King Charles on 6 May.

The medal, the design of which was unveiled today (5 May 2023), will be awarded to Armed Forces, frontline emergency service workers, and those taking part in the Coronation itself. The latter group includes choristers, police officers, military personnel and St John Ambulance staff.

King Charles will award medals to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and armed forces who have completed five full years of service. Eligible staff will be automatically notified through their employer.

Lucy Frazer, culture secretary, said: "The Coronation Medal will act as a reminder of the important part each person has played in this moment of history. From our Armed Forces who protect our country to the emergency services who care for us at home, alongside those volunteers who are giving up their time to make this event so special, I am delighted that we can mark their contribution to this special day, and for each and every day that they go above and beyond serving their country."

Deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden added: "The Coronation would not be possible without the dedication and selfless service shown by our armed forces and other public servants. This Medal is a fitting recognition of their efforts, and a thank you from the nation. It will be worn with pride for years to come."

Suella Braverman, home secretary, said: "This medal is a symbol of the critical role our emergency services will play in this potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honour our new King. However, it rightly also goes further and recognises not just those who are helping at the Coronation, but the heroes across our emergency services, such as the police, fire and rescue services, that go to work every day to protect and support us all."

Here at Employee Benefits, we agree this is a great way to crown the UK's hard-working frontline staff with royal recognition, as the whole nation watches the festivities.