The reason Kate Middleton wore three Remembrance poppies instead of one
The Royal Family (minus the Queen, who had to pull out last minute due to a back injury) gathered together on Sunday (14 November) for the National Service of Remembrance, which is held every year at the Cenotaph in London.
Alongside serving and former members of the armed forces, as well as senior British politicians and the nation watching on their TVs at home, the Royals paid tribute to all those who have given their lives in wars. At the event, Kate Middleton was noticeably wearing three red poppies (a symbol of remembrance) instead of just one, like most members of the public do. Here's why...
In addition to a crystal poppy brooch, the Duchess of Cambridge wore three paper poppies (which many people wear throughout the month of November). 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.
Other people think the royal's decision to wear multiple poppies is simply because three poppies are more visible than one. Although neither theory about the number of poppies has been confirmed (or denied) by the palace, the Duchess of Cambridge isn't the only Senior Royal who wears more than one. Similarly, the Duchess of Cornwall usually wears two or three poppies.
Despite missing this year's service, Her Majesty the Queen traditionally wears five poppies – which are thought to represent each service in the war (the Army, the Navy, the RAF, the Civil Defence and women). However, this hasn't been confirmed by the palace either. Other royal experts suggest her choice to wear multiple poppies could be a way to symbolise that she is the most senior dignitary at the Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day ceremonies.
As for why the Royals wear their poppies on their left-hand side, it's commonly thought to be because this positions them closer to the heart. Although there's no official stance on which side a poppy should be worn, with the British Legion saying that, 'There is no "correct" way to wear a poppy' and that the best way to wear one 'is simply with pride'.
The British Legion has been selling poppies for almost a century – the flower became a symbol of remembrance after they grew on the battlefields when World War One ended.
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