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Why Princess Kate wore three poppies on Remembrance Sunday

The royal supported Prince William and King Charles at the solemn service 

Princess Kate wearing three poppies at the Cenotaph
Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
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Poppies are worn as a mark of respect to those who died during the First World War and other conflicts and on Sunday, the royal family were among the thousands of people who wore poppies during the Remembrance Service.

However, Princess Kate noticeably wore three, as has become her preference over the years - but what's the significance behind it?

One theory is that the royals wear multiple brooches in honour of family members who have fought and died in wars.

WATCH: Emotional Princess Kate sings hymn on Remembrance Sunday

Kate's great-grandmother had three brothers who were killed in action during the First World War and the Princess viewed letters from her ancestors during a poignant visit to the Imperial War Museum in 2018. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales bows her head at the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph © Getty
The Princess of Wales bowed her head in respect

However, the reason for Kate wearing multiple poppies has never been confirmed by the palace.

Another theory is simply because a corsage of poppies is much more visible than one. Kate isn't usually the only one to wear multiple poppies as the late Queen Elizabeth II would often display five poppies when she stepped out for the special service. 

Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 12, 2023© Getty
Queen Camilla was also in attendance

While Buckingham Palace has never confirmed the reason for the monarch's preference, it is thought that Her Majesty's five poppies represented each service in the war: the Army, the Navy, the RAF, the Civil Defence and women.

Kate Middleton in black outfit with Prince William in blue suit© Getty
Kate and William also attended The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on Saturday

In 2019, for the Remembrance Sunday service, the Princess of Wales opted to wear a particularly special brooch.

camilla kate three poppies© Getty
Kate wore three poppies at last year's ceremony

Kate chose to don The Codebreakers Brooch in honour of her grandmother Valerie Glassborow, Valerie's twin sister Mary and her great-aunt, who all served as codebreakers at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.

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