Why Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Royal Family Members Are Wearing Poppies (2024)

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Why Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Royal Family Members Are Wearing Poppies? ›

The origin of the poppy symbol can be traced back to the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae, a poignant reflection on World War I. As November unfolds, the royal family's consistent display of red poppies serves as a visual tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nations.

One theory about why she opts to wear more than one poppy is to pay respect to family members who have fought and died in wars – for example, three of Kate's great-uncles died fighting during World War One, with many suspecting she wears three poppies to honour them.

But that floral pin is more than just a fashion statement—it's steeped in significance. Once a year in November, British people (royals included) honor fallen troops by wearing a crimson poppy. A century-old tradition, the flower has now come to symbolize hope and gratitude.

The reason why the Royal Family wears three poppies has not been confirmed. However, one theory is that they wear multiple brooches to honour family members who have fought and died in wars. For example, Kate Middleton's great-grandmother had three brothers who were killed in action during the First World War.

Our red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community. The poppy is a well-known and well-established symbol, one that carries a wealth of history and meaning with it.

The origin of the poppy symbol can be traced back to the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae, a poignant reflection on World War I. As November unfolds, the royal family's consistent display of red poppies serves as a visual tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nations.

Flower girls dispute

They claimed that the duch*ess of Cambridge fell out with the duch*ess of Sussex because Princess Charlotte's dress did not fit and further fittings needed to be scheduled. The source added: "Kate had only just given birth to her third child, Prince Louis, and was feeling quite emotional."

Some believe it is just one corsage that she wears while others argue that The Queen wears so many poppies as a way to honour each branch of the armed forces that took part in the war: Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Civil Defence and women.

While the Queen has not commented about her choice to wear a bouquet of poppies, it's thought by some that her five poppies could represent each service in the World Wars: the Army, the RAF, the Navy, the Civil Defence and women.

Indeed, red is the national color of England and Wales. When Queen Elizabeth wore scarlet hues during her 70-year reign, it was intentional, Matta noted. “Royals wear bold colors for similar reasons: to convey force and self-assurance.

Why do females wear poppies on the right? ›

Some have said it should be the left because it is close to the heart and others suggest that women wear it on the right as that is wear you would wear a brooch, but neither of these things are necessary.

The Poppy should be worn with respect on the left side, over the heart. The Legion's lapel Poppy is a sacred symbol of Remembrance and should not be affixed with any pin that obstructs the Poppy.

Some people feel the red poppy has become too political, and that some politicians have used the powerful feelings it creates to justify war. Others refuse to wear poppies because they feel there is too much pressure put on people to wear them.

Keith Roy with the Monarchist League of Canada said that the blooms are often given away to local churches or charities, while Kate will take some home to Adelaide Cottage for decoration.

It has been widely speculated that the five poppies represent each service in the war – Army, Navy, RAF, Civil Defence and women. However, the Queen has never given an official reason for why she wears more than one.

The poppy is the enduring symbol of remembrance of the First World War. It is strongly linked with Armistice Day (11 November), but the poppy's origin as a popular symbol of remembrance lies in the landscapes of the First World War. Poppies were a common sight, especially on the Western Front.