The Elizabeth Cross is a form of recognition[1] given to the recognised next of kin of members of the British Armed Forces who have died on operations, or as a result of an act of terrorism since 1 January 1948, after the Second World War.

Designed by Dayna White of Birmingham jewellers Gladman & Norman Ltd, the award is made of sterling silver in the shape of a cross backed by a representation of a laurel wreath, and carries floral emblems of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales,[2][4] an appearance similar to the earlier Canadian Memorial Cross, awarded since 1919.

[7][9] The award was instituted by Queen Elizabeth II on 1 July 2009, but eligibility is retrospective to deaths from the end of the Second World War.

[15] The precise eligibility requirements issued by the Ministry of Defence are:[16] The service must have been undertaken on or after 1 January 1948 in general, or after 27 September 1945 in Palestine (other personnel from 1945 to 1947 were officially recognised as serving in the Second World War).

[16] In accordance with the Royal Warrant establishing the Elizabeth Cross, it is awarded upon recommendation made to the sovereign by the Secretary of State for Defence.

As directed by the Royal Warrant, the names of all those who are commemorated with the award of the Elizabeth Cross are recorded in a Registry kept by the Ministry of Defence.