The Victoria Cross is the highest award for valour in the United Kingdom. It is open to all ranks of the armed forces. Instituted on 29 January 1856, it was intended to reward conspicuous bravery and was awarded to many of those who had fought in the Crimean War. Prince Albert worked with the government on the drafting of the Royal Warrant, and Queen Victoria chose the final design, suggesting the motto ‘For Valour’. The London jewellers Hancocks and Co. produced the first Victoria Cross and continue to do so today.