New Queen's award for forces dead
The Queen has approved a new honour in her name for members of the armed forces who are killed in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.
The Elizabeth Cross will be awarded to the families of those killed.
In a personal message to service personnel, the Queen said the emblem was "a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt".
It will be available to the relatives of all those killed in conflicts since the end of World War II.
The emblem will be made of sterling silver in the shape of a cross and a wreath, and will feature the rose, thistle, shamrock and daffodil to represent soldiers from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
It will be awarded along with a Memorial Scroll signed by the Queen and bearing the name of the individual killed.
'Enduring loss'
Gordon Brown announced the new award during Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons on Wednesday.
He said: "I am confident that this will be a very special and fitting tribute indeed for the great debt we owe to all those who die on operations and the enduring loss shouldered by their families."
The Queen explained her motivation for instituting the award in a special radio message on the British Forces Broadcasting Service.
"This seems to me a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt to those who are killed while actively protecting what is most dear to us all," she said.
"The solemn dignity which we attach to the names of those who have fallen is deeply engrained in our national character.
"As a people, we accord this ultimate sacrifice the highest honour and respect."
The Ministry of Defence estimates that about 8,000 families could be eligible for the award.
It says it will contact the families of those who have died since 2000 about receiving it, but relatives of those killed before that date will be required to apply themselves.
They will then be able to decide whether they wish to receive the award publicly or in private.
'Immense pride'
It is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since 1940.
Then King George VI introduced the George Cross, the highest honour for civilian acts of bravery.
Before this, the Victoria Cross was introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 for exceptional gallantry by members of the armed forces.
The chief of the defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said relatives would wear the Elizabeth Cross with "immense pride".
He said: "It is a reminder not just of the ultimate price their loved ones have paid while safeguarding our security and freedom, it is also a lasting symbol of the nation's recognition of and gratitude for their sacrifice."
The Cross will be available to all those killed since 1948 in conflicts including the Falklands War and Northern Ireland Troubles.
Personnel who died in Palestine between September 1945 and the end of 1947 will also be eligible.
It will apply to regular and reserve personnel and will cover those who died in battle and later as a result of injuries received in the field.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "The Elizabeth Cross was recommended by the military chiefs to Her Majesty to recognise the huge debt this country owes to the families those brave individuals have left behind."
It is a lasting symbol of the nation's recognition of and gratitude for their sacrifice 
Air Chief Marshal Jock Stirrup