In June 2009 a new award, the Elizabeth Cross, was announced. This is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940.

The new Elizabeth Cross and miniature will be awarded to the relatives of Her Majesty's Forces personnel killed on active service, or as a result of terrorism, together with a Memorial Scroll signed by Her Majesty The Queen. It is a mark of national recognition for their loss.

The cross is intended for wear on formal occasions such as Remembrance Sunday, while the miniature will be worn for less formal events. There are no formal rules for the wearing of the cross on civilian clothes; it is intended that the emblem is worn on the lapel or collar of a jacket by men or woman. It would not be considered appropriate for any military recipient to wear the Elizabeth Cross or miniature in uniform.

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