Why the British Royal Family Wears Red Poppy Pins in November: Meaning and Tradition Explained

As part of a tradition to honour deceased service members, members of the British royal family wear red poppy pins every November. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have continued to wear the poppy since resigning from royal duties in 2020, while prominent figures such as Kate Middleton, Prince William, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, King Charles, and Queen Camilla have all been spotted wearing them. Wearing this symbolic item is particularly common on Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 10th November this year.

Originating from John McCrae’s poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ from World War I, the red poppy has been used since 1921 to commemorate troops who lost their lives in battle. The American Legion Auxiliary and the U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars also distribute poppies for donations on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, following the Royal British Legion’s practice of distributing them in the United Kingdom to generate money for veterans.

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In November, the royal family takes part in a number of activities that culminate in the National Service of Remembrance at London’s Cenotaph memorial, where they march alongside veterans, lay wreaths, and observe a two-minute silence. A national observance, Remembrance Sunday honours members of the Armed Forces who have died in combat.

As part of her return to royal duties after chemotherapy, Princess Kate is anticipated to attend Remembrance Sunday this year. She has previously recounted intimate experiences at similar remembrances, such as giving her poppy pin to a small kid named Akeem and explaining its meaning.

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Even though they no longer live in the UK, Meghan and Harry still wear the poppy pins to events in the US every November. Meghan and Harry were spotted wearing them at the Salute to Freedom dinner in 2021, and Meghan wore one at the New York Times DealBook Summit. The Princess of Wales’ participation is also in doubt, while Queen Camilla’s presence is doubtful this year as she recovers from an illness.

–Farheen Ali 

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