Prince William urges young people to wear a poppy on Remembrance Day
William honoured "those whose service keeps us safe"Prince William has urged young people to wear their poppy on Remembrance Day, which is today (Tuesday, November 11), in a new video address.
In the video, William, who played a key role in Sunday’s Remembrance service (November 9), explains why it’s important for them to commemorate the war dead.
Prince William urges young people to wear their poppy
In a new video address, streamed to young people between the ages of nine to 14 today, William says: “Armistice Day is an important time for us to stop and reflect; it is a reminder that Remembrance is for everyone.
“When we remember, we connect with service in a personal way. We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten. It’s not just about the past, it’s about shaping who we become in the future.”
“Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience, and responsibility. And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment of silence, we are saying, ‘Thank you. We have not forgotten and we will not forget,'” he then adds.
“Coming together for Remembrance is a vital way to honour those whose service keeps us safe,” William’s video continued.
“Even today, as we continue to face a number of conflicts across the world, we honour those who have gone before us, and those who are serving now. Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they remind us to be respectful, kind, brave and thoughtful every day.”
Prince George attends Festival of Remembrance
William’s words come after his son, Prince George, 12, attended the Royal British Legion’s annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London last weekend.
The festival honoured those who have lost their lives in conflict.
It was the first time George had attended the service. He was there alongside his mum, Kate, as well King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Edward, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. Prince William wasn’t in attendance due to being in Brazil for The Earthshot Prize and the COP30 conference.
The future king wore a smart black suit to the event, with a poppy stuck to his lapel.
Royal fans were loving the fact that George was in attendance at the event. “Awwww we have another first tonight at Albert Hall, HRH the Princess of Wales is accompanied by her son, HRH Prince George. Such a wonderful first mother and son engagement. They both look sharp and happy,” one royal fan tweeted.
“Such a touching moment! Prince George has grown up so quickly, and it’s heartwarming to see him by his mother’s side at such a significant event,” another said.
Harry wears poppy at Kris Jenner party
However, there was one member of the royal family who didn’t wear a poppy recently.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was seen without a poppy during an appearance at Kris Jenner’s birthday party on Saturday night (November 8).
Prince Harry, meanwhile, wore a poppy on his tuxedo, drawing some attention to the fact that Meghan wasn’t wearing one.
However, amid some backlash, many fans defended Meghan. One person said on X: “Last year Meghan wore a poppy and the tabloids tore her apart. This year she didn’t wear one, and guess what, same outrage. It’s the classic case of damned if she does, damned if she doesn’t. No matter what she does, they’ll twist it.”
Another added: “She is damned if she does, damned if she doesn’t.”
Meanwhile, according to the Royal British Legion, wearing a poppy is “never compulsory” but is “greatly appreciated by those who it is intended to support”. They also stated that wearing a poppy is a “very personal choice”.
The duchess has previously worn poppies, including while living in the US following her and Harry’s royal exit.
During her time as a working royal, the duchess also attended several Remembrance Day services, with a poppy on her chest.
Read more: Prince William shares ‘difficulties’ of talking to his children amid Kate Middleton’s cancer battle
What do you think of this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page and let us know.
