Meghan Markle has faced criticism over her choice of poppy during a video call two years ago, with a royal commentator accusing her of disrespecting the nation's war dead.
In November 2024, the Duchess of Sussex appeared alongside Prince Harry in a video discussing children's safety in the digital world. While both wore poppies, Meghan's appeared to lack leaves on the stalk, prompting one royal commentator to note it resembled a Scottish or Canadian design.
Commentator's Viral Criticism
Speaking about the clip, commentator Lee Cohen shared his opinion on GB News, saying: "When I saw that, I immediately made a post on Twitter that actually went viral, expressing that it makes one nauseous to see Meghan Markle wearing the poppy commemorating the noble dead of the nation. She is so disrespectful, so disrespected, and apparently a lot of people agree."
Meghan also sparked controversy over her poppy choice in 2023, when she attended the opening of a new Navy fitness centre in San Diego, California, with her husband.
Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day
While November 11 marks Armistice Day in the UK and other countries, in America the day is celebrated as Veterans' Day in honour of the Armed Forces. Wearing a poppy is not required on Veterans' Day; instead, poppies tend to be worn for Memorial Day in May.
In 2023, Meghan's poppy sparked outrage from American veterans as she paid a nod to British custom rather than an American one. At the time, one furious fan wrote on social media: "Who told her wearing a British poppy while 'celebrating American veterans' would be a good look."
Another said: "I didn't think poppies are worn on Veterans Day in the US, but are worn on Memorial Day in May? Am I wrong?" They went on to claim Meghan was "claiming front & centre stage" at the event.
Remembrance Plans and UK Stay
It has been reported that Harry and Meghan will mark Remembrance events privately this weekend but will not join the royals at the Cenotaph in London today. With Christmas upcoming, the couple could be set to spend their first Christmas in the UK since 2018. The couple may also be joined by her mum, Doria Ragland, as spending the holiday with her was "always the plan".
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now residing somewhere in the Cotswolds with their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
