During the annual Remembrance events—the Festival of Remembrance and the National Service of Remembrance—Kate Middleton will often wear three distinctive poppies pinned to her coat.
Ever wondered why?
You’re not alone. This thoughtful accessory has become a hallmark of the Princess’s Remembrance attire. It’s sparked curiosity among royal watchers, Kate fans and the wider public alike and led to a lot of speculation.
Although Kate has never explained her choice, we’re all curious to understand why. So, let’s take a look at the main theories:
1) Does Kate Wear Three Poppies As A Tribute to Her Great-Grandmother’s Brothers?
One of the most heartfelt theories surrounding Kate’s three poppies is that they honour her family’s own connection to World War I.
During a visit to the Imperial War Museum in 2018, Kate viewed letters written by her great-grandmother’s three brothers, all of whom served in the First World War and tragically lost their lives in the conflict (pictured below).
It’s possible that the Princess wears one poppy for each of her great-grandmother’s brothers who never returned. It’s a solid theory.
2) Do The Three Poppies Represent the Three Branches of the UK Armed Forces?
Another widely accepted theory is that Kate’s three poppies represent the three branches of the United Kingdom’s military: the Army, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Air Force.
The Royal Family has long-standing, deep connections to each branch, and Kate’s role often involves honouring those who serve in the Armed Forces. Her husband, Prince William, served as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, and her father-in-law, King Charles, served in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Her own grandfather was a Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot who served in World War II.
This theory seems particularly fitting given her military appointments, including Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, Colonel of the Irish Guards, Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby and Honorary Air Commandant of the RAF Air Cadets.
It’s also said Queen Camilla wears three poppies at Remembrance events for the same reasons, to represent the three branches of the United Kingdom’s military.
This theory also ties in with the speculation behind Queen Elizabeth II’s preference for wearing multiple poppies. Dig through the archives and you’ll find the late Queen often wore several poppies pinned to her coat with a brooch—just like Kate. She wore as many as five poppies at a time. It’s thought her five poppies represented the three branches of the Armed Forces, and honoured the efforts of the Civil Defence and the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in both World Wars.
Again, a solid theory.
3) Perhaps It’s Just An Aesthetic Choice?
While the theories of familial and military symbolism are most widely discussed, there’s also a more practical reason that might explain Kate’s three-poppy arrangement. Visually, a single poppy could look understated against the backdrop of her often dark, formal coat.
Three poppies form a balanced, eye-catching arrangement that’s instantly recognisable in photos and on television. This visual impact allows the poppy tribute to stand out.
I like this theory too.
Which theory do you believe? Which is correct?
We” never know the exact reason why Kate wears three poppies, whether it’s for personal, symbolic, or aesthetic reasons. I guess it’s open for interpretation. What’s yours? Let me know in the comments section below.
I’ll end the post by saying that some people also believe the Royal ladies wear poppies on the left side, as it is closest to the heart. But the Royal British Legion say there’s “no ‘correct’ way to wear a poppy” and it all boils down to personal preference.