Meghan Markle infuriated US veterans with choice of poppy sparking ‘moron’ backlash

Meghan Markle appeared in a new video message released on social media alongside her husband Prince Harry, with the Duchess of Sussex wearing a poppy.

Meghan Markle stood by Prince Harry in a fresh video advocating for child safety online, creating waves on the couple’s Archewell charity social channels. The Duchess of Sussex, aged 43, was filmed at her Montecito residence, wore a refined black top with a navy blazer and sported a poppy.

Eagle-eyed Royal enthusiasts spotted that Meghan’s poppy lacked the leaf seen on Prince Harry’s, age 40. Her decision to wear a poppy, as Remembrance Day approaches in the UK, reignited memories from last year when Meghan sparked controversy among some American veterans during an event.

At a San Diego new Navy fitness centre inauguration in November, Meghan wore a poppy brooch – an unconventional choice outside the UK for that time as the US observes Veterans Day on November 11, with no poppy tradition like Britain’s.

Unlike the UK custom, Americans typically reserve the poppy emblem for Memorial Day in May, leading to criticism towards the Duchess for apparently placing British traditions above those of the States.

Meghan Markle has caused controversy wearing poppies before (Image: (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images))

A critic, vexed at the time, remarked: “Meghan Markle looks like a bloody moron wearing a Royal British Legion Poppy.”

Another questioned: “Who told her wearing a British poppy while ‘celebrating American veterans’ would be a good look.”

Since their move to America in 2020, the Duchess and Prince Harry have been commemorating Remembrance Day in their own unique way. Prior to stepping down as a senior royal, Harry would join other members of the Royal Family at The Cenotaph in London for the laying of wreaths.

This event held significant importance for the Duke, who served in the Army and fought in Afghanistan, a fact he highlighted in his explosive memoir ‘Spare’ published last year.