Meghan Markle’s reason for not wearing a poppy at two high-profile events over the weekend has been revealed, as sources claimed they are difficult to find in America.
The Duchess of Sussex sparked outrage online when she attended Jeff Bezos’s mansion on Remembrance weekend without wearing the commemorative poppy on her outfit.
Prince Harry was seen wearing a poppy pinned to his tuxedo. He was given one after he donated to the Poppy Appeal during his recent visit to Canada, where he spent time with some of the nation's oldest veterans.
Sources revealed to The Daily Mail that Meghan was unable to find a poppy to wear as they are not readily available in the United States, unlike in Commonwealth countries.
Meghan Markle was pictured without a poppy on at two events over the weekend
| GETTYThe Duchess has been previously pictured wearing a poppy during Remembrance alongside her veteran husband, Harry, who served in two tours of Afghanistan.
The couple were both seen wearing poppies fastened to their lapels last year, when they posted a joint video about online violence against children.
Meghan was also seen wearing a poppy brooch in 2023 when she and Harry visited US Navy Seals in San Diego.
Supporters across the globe are able to purchase a poppy from the Royal British Legion’s website, but it would cost £28 to get it sent to Montecito.
Last week, Prince Harry wrote a moving Remembrance Day essay where he spoke on the “bravery” that makes him proud to be British.
He wrote: “Every November the world, for a moment, grows quieter. We pause, together, to remember. Remembrance has never been about glorifying war.
“It’s about recognising its cost: the lives changed forever and the lessons paid for, through unimaginable sacrifice. It’s also about honouring those who, knowing that cost, still choose to serve.”
Prince Harry was wearing a poppy, that he got whilst visiting veterans in Canada
| GETTYHe spoke of the “privilege of serving alongside men and women from all four corners of the UK; from Antrim to Anglesey, Lancashire to London, Wrexham to the East Riding, Belfast to Bedfordshire and beyond.”
He went on to reveal that he witnessed “courage and compassion in the harshest conditions imaginable,” whilst also reflecting on “how easy it can be, once the uniform comes off, for those who gave everything, to feel forgotten.”
Harry highlighted: “Our duty to them does not end when their service does.”
He stressed: “They safeguarded our freedom. We must safeguard their future. That way we all benefit.”
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The veteran concluded his speech, saying: “Remembrance isn’t confined to one weekend in November. It’s a lifelong commitment to empathy, gratitude, and action; to be kinder, more united, and braver in protecting what those before us fought to preserve.
“So, as we bow our heads this weekend, let us remember not only the fallen, but the living – those who still carry the weight of war in body and mind, and the families who bear its memory in their hearts.”
Meghan’s decision not to wear a poppy has drawn heated criticism from observers online.
"Meghan didn't even pay respect with her husband and wear a poppy," one social media user commented.
Meghan Markle received backlash on social media for her decision
| GETTYAnother person questioned: "Where is Meghan's remembrance day poppy? Why doesn't she wear it?"
While some were outraged by the decision, others were quick to jump to the defence of the 44-year-old.
"Americans wear poppies on Memorial Day (May) in honor of veterans. She was poppy-less, rightfully so," one defender stated.
"Meghan is American, that is possibly why she isn't wearing a poppy," another supporter noted.