Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton’s balcony appearance for Remembrance Sunday saw Sophie Wessex lose a privilege she had last year. 

• The Countess of Wessex didn’t stand alongside Queen Camilla and Princess Kate on Remembrance Sunday this year, but on a separate balcony. 
• She was given pride of place last year and has previously stood with the Queen Consort and Princess of Wales on a number of occasions.  
• This royal news comes as the Royal Family’s powerful tribute was showcased in a major social media change. 

Every year senior members of the immediate and extended Royal Family come together to honor those who have lost their lives in service of their country in conflicts throughout history. For the first time since becoming monarch, King Charles III led Remembrance Sunday on November 13, where he attended in military uniform and laid a wreath on the cenotaph. He was joined for this poignant ceremony by his eldest son the Prince of Wales and two more of the late Queen’s children, Prince Edward and Princess Anne, who all laid wreaths themselves.

Camilla, Queen Consort and the Princess of Wales watched the service on the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office building, where Kate Middleton wore Princess Diana’s rare pearl earrings. However, this year saw the King’s sister-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex lose a previous privilege. 

It was likely a strange and moving sight for many fans to see Queen Camilla and Princess Kate on this iconic balcony without the Queen, who was pictured there regularly in recent years. But she wasn’t the only senior royal missing from this year’s balcony appearance. On Remembrance Sunday 2022, the Countess of Wessex stood on a separate balcony alongside Queen Elizabeth’s cousin Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess of Gloucester. 

This is quite a prominent change from last year where Sophie Wessex, whose close bond with the late Queen Elizabeth was often remarked upon, stood alongside the Queen Consort and Princess of Wales for the service.

Although this year isn't the only time the Countess has appeared on a different balcony to her sister-in-law and niece-in-law, Sophie has regularly been positioned next to Queen Camilla and Princess Kate for Remembrance Sunday over the years.

Back in 2017, Sophie Wessex was with Kate and the Duchess of Kent, whilst 2016 saw her alongside both the Princess of Wales and Queen Consort.

She also stood alongside both of them back in 2011 for Kate’s first ever Remembrance Sunday service since marrying Prince William. It’s not known why exactly her previous privilege was changed for 2022.

However, as Queen Consort and Princess of Wales, Camilla and Kate are now the two most senior royal women and having just the two of them together on one balcony does highlight their prominent roles in the future of the monarchy.

And although Sophie Wessex wasn’t standing with them on the same balcony again in 2022 like she did last year, she still had a hugely important position watching the service.

Since King Charles ascended to the throne the Wessexes have remained dedicated working royals and during the Queen’s reign, reports suggested Sophie as having a special bond with her. Sophie Wessex was apparently a “soothing” presence to Her Majesty and a source previously claimed to The Mirror that their relationship was “very special”. 

“Sophie cherishes her relationship with the Queen and not only appreciates her guidance and wisdom throughout her own life, she is very protective of her,” they alleged. “Their bond is very like a mother and daughter and the feeling of love and respect is quite mutual. It is very special.”

The Royal Family’s powerful tribute has been showcased in a major social media change seen across all of their accounts in recent days.

• The King, Queen Consort and Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media profile pictures and banner photos have undergone a poignant transformation.  
• All the photos now honor Remembrance events and services as the royals attended their first Remembrance Sunday ceremony since the Queen’s death.  
• This royal news comes as the Royal Family gathered as the Queen was honored with a moving tribute at the Festival of Remembrance. 

Ahead of Armistice Day on November 11 and Remembrance Sunday on November 13, the King and Queen Consort’s official Royal Family social media pages, as well as those of the Prince and Princess of Wales underwent a huge change. Just months after King Charles made a change to the Royal Family’s Twitter and Instagram account following the end of the mourning period for the late Queen Elizabeth, their profile and banner pictures were updated again. 

The current profile picture for King Charles and Queen Camilla shows them wearing poppies during their trip to Canada in 2009, where they attended the Remembrance Day service. Whilst that of Kate Middleton and Prince William, who is first in the royal line of succession, shows the couple at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2018.

Both of their banner photos on Twitter were also changed to pictures of the Field of Remembrance showing row upon row of poppies upon wooden crosses. Last year ahead of Remembrance Day or Armistice Day which is always November 11 and Remembrance Sunday, always the closest Sunday to this poignant date, the social media pictures were also changed as part of the Royal Family’s powerful tribute.

Remembrance Sunday is marked annually by people across the world as they reflect and remember those who have lost their lives in war and remember the sacrifice and service of those who have defended our freedoms. 

Members of the Royal Family traditionally take part in a moving ceremony at the cenotaph and this year King Charles III led Remembrance Sunday for the first time as monarch. Honoring service people who have lost their lives in conflicts, a two-minute silence was held at 11am and then His Majesty laid his wreath upon the cenotaph. 

He was followed by his eldest son Prince William, as well as two more of the late Queen’s children - the Earl of Wessex and Princess Anne. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, Sophie Wessex and two members of the extended Royal Family, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, also attended the service from balconies nearby. 

The Remembrance Sunday service comes just nine weeks after Queen Elizabeth passed away at Balmoral. Throughout her 70 year reign she was seen on the balcony herself paying tribute and wearing multiple poppies.

Both of the last two times members of the Royal Family’s social media accounts have changed their pictures it was linked to her. Most recently they returned to depicting King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales after the end of the mourning period. Before that they had all changed out of respect for Her Majesty to black-and-white pictures of royal crests with a black-and-white Twitter banner image of the Queen. 

The social media photos typically only change rarely, making the Royal Family’s powerful tribute to Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday all the more significant. 

Kate Middleton dazzled in white as she was on hand to commemorate Anzac Day at Westminster Abbey. Wearing an Alexander McQueen white coat dress, Jane Taylor headband, and Princess Diana’s Collingwood earrings, Kate’s look seriously channeled Diana. Her choice of outfit could have deeper meaning thanks to the symbolism of Anzac Day.

• Kate Middleton has led the Royal Family at a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving as part of the ANZAC day services at Westminster Abbey.
• Kate took inspiration from Princess Diana, with her white Alexander McQueen coat dress and Jane Taylor headband bearing a strong likeness to white suits worn by Diana in the past.
• In other royal news, Kate Middleton's sweet top-secret birthday outing for Prince Louis revealed.

Kate Middleton was a vision in white as she represented the Royal Family at the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

Kate’s coat dress is a favorite, with the Duchess of Cambridge previously wearing the outfit to Princess Charlotte’s christening.

Kate wore a white Alexander McQueen coat dress, paired with a black and white headband from Jane Taylor and black shoes.

As well as being a fitting tribute to wear for the touching service at Westminster Abbey, Kate’s outfit was a nod to a style favored by her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

Kate's appearance at the service was something of a last-minute surprise, having only been confirmed to appear earlier in the morning. 

Kate, along with William, represented the Royal Family at the Westminster Abbey service, where the Dean of Westminster gave an address, alongside readings from the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners.

What is Anzac Day?

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance that remembers all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.

It’s observed on 25 April each year, as this date honors the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served in the Gallipoli Campaign, their first engagement in the First World War (1914–1918).

Earlier in the day, William laid a wreath on behalf of the Queen at the Cenotaph.

Children of each country read prayers, and a Maori waiata, or song, was performed by the London-based Ngati Ranana.

What do the different colors mean for Anzac Day?

Kate's outfit choice could indicate a deeper understanding of the importance of the day, and what colors mean. Though not unique to Anzac Day itself, different colors have traditionally held deep significance to soldiers and different units.

An 18th-century military writer explained what the different colors meant. These are:

• white for innocence and truth
• black for wisdom and sobriety
• blue for faith and constancy
• red for justice
• purple for fortitude with discretion
• tawny for merit
• green for good hope

Prince Charles has remarked upon a colossal “sacrifice” as he reflected on the heartfelt words of one of his royal ancestors.  

• The Prince of Wales posted a powerful message in honor of ANZAC Day on April 25th as he reflected on all the “courageous” troops “endured”. 
• Alongside his own declaration, the future King shared the words of his great-grandfather as he urged us all not to forget.
• This royal news comes as it was revealed Kate Middleton is being 'seriously considered' to take over this prestigious role from the Queen.    

Just like many other senior members of the extended Royal Family, Prince Charles had a distinguished military career and has consistently honored the sacrifices made by service people over many decades. Last year following news of the Queen’s sprained back, the Prince of Wales stepped up to take a central role in the Remembrance Sunday ceremony. Now he has taken to the Clarence House social media accounts to share a powerful message for ANZAC Day on April 25th. 

This significant day was named back in 1916 and stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. On this day in 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers were part of an allied effort to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula during the First World War. 

Today this date is a day of remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders who lost their lives in wars, peacekeeping operations and conflicts. 

Reflecting on their immense “sacrifice”, Prince Charles stated, “On this ANZAC Day, my wife and I are thinking of all the courageous troops who endured so much in 1915 on the beaches and in the rugged hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula.”

The Prince, who is first in the royal line of succession, went on to remark upon how his and Duchess Camilla’s thoughts are also with all those fighting against “oppression”. 

“As we pause to reflect on the sacrifice of the Armed Services personnel of Australia and New Zealand in two World Wars, and in other conflicts and peacekeeping operations, our thoughts will also be with those communities around the world who are being torn apart by violence and conflict, and those who are fighting for freedom in the face of oppression,” he continued. 

The future King also echoed the words of a past British monarch, the Queen’s grandfather, King George V, as he celebrated the “defining mark” of the Australian and New Zealand service people.

Prince Charles declared, “In 1916, one year after the Gallipoli landings, my great-grandfather, King George V, wrote of the first ANZACs, “They gave their lives for a supreme cause in gallant comradeship.” One hundred and six years later, gallant comradeship remains a defining mark of the uniformed men and women of New Zealand and Australia. Lest we forget.”

Following the release of Prince Charles’ message fans were quick to echo this poignant closing phrase with many repeating it in the comments. 

“Thank you to the Prince of Wales for those lovely words, on this day my country remembers those who lost their lives. ❤️🇦🇺”, another person wrote. 

Another echoed this, responding, “Message from the heart as always from Prince Charles.❤️❤️”.

His reflection on the huge “sacrifice” of the service people of Australia and New Zealand comes months after Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla set an “important sign” amid the crisis in Ukraine. As well as issuing a message responding to the "most critical of times", reports have also claimed that Prince Charles and the Queen could help Ukrainian refugees with jobs and housing on their private estates across the country.

The Queen was all set to return to work after a bout of illness, with Remembrance Sunday her first major public appearance. However, she will now miss the event at Central London's Cenotaph due to a sprained back. 

• The Queen will miss the Remembrance Sunday memorial service due to a sprained back.
• Her Majesty is "disappointed" to miss the event, Buckingham Palace said in a last minute statement.
• In other royal news, Kate Middleton wore an Eponine London dress and Diana's jewellery for the Festival of Remembrance.

The Queen will not attend the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London as she has sprained her back.

Her Majesty is said to be "disappointed" as this was set to be one of her first major appearances since a recent hospital stay which had fans concerned.

Other royals will still be in attendance - including Prince Charles who will lay a wreath on her behalf.

A Buckingham Palace statement read, "The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today's Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph.

"Her Majesty is disappointed that she will miss the service."

She has missed the event just six times during her reign - either when pregnant or away on tour.

Hailed by many as a style icon, Kate Middleton has once again proven that she’s committed to reusing and recycling her wardrobe, wearing an Eponine London dress for the Festival of Remembrance. She first wore the dress in February 2020. For the festival, she paired the refined dress with jewellery which once belonged to Princess Diana.  

• Kate Middleton stunned in an Eponine London dress and items of jewelry belonging to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
• Kate accompanied Prince William, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles to the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
• In other royal news, the Queen will attend Remembrance Day service following illness.

Kate recycled the dress which she last wore when visiting the Noel Coward Theatre in 2020 to see a special performance of Dear Evan Hansen, in aid of the Royal Foundation.

Kate paired the dress with the Collingwood Pearl Earrings, as well as the Three Strand Pearl Bracelet.

Diana most famously wore the bracelet in 1989 while attending a royal engagement in Hong Kong.

Kate finished off her look with a new poppy brooch from The Royal British Legion, the Three Poppies Crystal Gold Plated Brooch.

Kate was joined by husband, Prince William, father-in-law Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles.

This was the first year Her Majesty the Queen was not in attendance at the annual Festival of Remembrance.

A statement from Buckingham Palace explained, "Following on from their recent advice that the Queen should rest for a few days, Her Majesty’s doctors have advised that she should continue to rest for at least the next two weeks.

"The doctors have advised that Her Majesty can continue to undertake light, desk-based duties during this time, including some virtual audiences, but not to undertake any official visits. Her Majesty regrets that this means she will be unable to attend the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday November 13. However, it remains The Queen’s firm intention to be present for the National Service of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, on November 14."

The Festival of Remembrance is a commemorative event dedicated to all those who served during the wars across Britain and the Commonwealth. 

This year, the festival was broadcast live in the UK from London’s Royal Albert Hall. The moving event featured performances from artists including Alfie Boe, Cynthia Erivo, Gregory Porter, Jack Savoretti and Alexandra Burke.

After a bout of poor health, the Queen is back to work and will be at the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph this Sunday. Fans of Her Majesty online have hailed her work ethic, calling her an “incredible” leader and an “absolute legend.”

• The Queen will attend the upcoming Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in central London, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
• Prince Charles will lay a wreath on her behalf.
• In other royal news, why does the Queen wear five poppies on Remembrance Day?

Buckingham Palace has said the Queen will be attending the Remembrance Sunday service from the balcony of a Whitehall building.

Prince Charles will lay a wreath on her behalf as has been custom since 2017.

However, palace officials said she had been mindful of her doctors' recent advice, deciding not to attend the Church of England's General Synod at Westminster Abbey next week.

Her Majesty spent a night in hospital in October for medical checks, after canceling an official visit to Northern Ireland.

It was her first hospital stay in eight years but since then she has seemingly recovered and started to undertake a handful of public duties, including holding a Privy Council meeting with government ministers and recording a video message for COP26.

Earlier this week, while visiting Brixton in South London, Prince Charles was asked about the Queen’s health by concerned citizens.

He was shown to reply with, "She's alright, thank you."

Responding to the news that Her Majesty is recovering and preparing to attend the service, fans online have been praising the Queen’s resilience.

One fan called her “an absolute legend” whereas another referred to her as a “woman of greatness.”

On Tuesday, November 9, the Queen returned to Windsor Castle following a long-planned weekend away at her Sandringham home in Norfolk ahead of her planned Remembrance Day service.

Attending Remembrance Sunday at Whitehall is an important day in the Queen’s calendar as she remains at the heart of the National Service of Remembrance, an event she has rarely missed in almost seventy years.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the Salute to Freedom gala at New York’s Intrepid Museum where Prince Harry was on hand to bestow medals to veterans. Meghan dazzled in a red Carolina Herrera gown and told reporters on the red carpet she was “always proud” of her husband.

• Harry and Meghan attended the Salute to Freedom gala in New York City, where Harry was handing out medals to veterans.
• The event was held on the eve of Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in the UK.
• In other royal news,  why does the Queen wear five poppies for Remembrance Day?

Harry and Meghan stunned at the glamorous gala in New York on Wednesday evening, with Meghan donning a radiant red Carolina Herrera gown which perfectly complimented her poppy.

The Carolina Herrera gown wowed with a deep neckline, pleated skirt and thigh-high split.

Meghan complemented her gown with a bracelet belonging to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

The Cartier tennis bracelet is worth nearly $24,000.

Harry cut an equally stylish figure in classic black tie, with the KCVO (Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order) Neck Order and Star on his bow tie. This is a medal given by the Queen in recognition of distinguished personal service to the monarchy.

Palace rules allow him to wear these medals but he is no longer permitted to wear his military uniform after he and Meghan stepped away from royal duties early last year, and he was stripped of his titles, including Captain-General of the Royal Marines.

Harry served in the British Army for ten years, so it is an event close to his heart.

He was at the event to hand out medals for the Intrepid Valor Awards to five service members, veterans and military families who are living with the 'invisible wounds of war'.

Harry spoke of his time in the army at the gala, where he touched on the “special bond” shared by the armed forces communities.

In his address to those attending the gala, he said, "I've lived in the US for close to two years now. I have to say, witnessing your support for all those that put themselves in harm's way in defense of our freedoms and liberties—it's remarkable and hugely respected.”

"It reminds me of the deep reverence us Brits have for our military as well.”

Asked on the red carpet whether Meghan was proud of her husband, she replied, “I'm always proud of him.”

Each November, as the nation unites for Remembrance Day to honour those who served in the war, people traditionally wear a poppy. The Queen has been seen wearing five poppies and, although the Palace has never confirmed why, it is believed each poppy represents one of the different services from the war efforts.

• During Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday services, the Queen has been shown to wear five poppies.
• It is widely believed that each poppy represents a different service.
• In other royal news, The Queen, Prince William, and Kate Middleton pay Remembrance Day tribute with sweet social media updates.

Why does the Queen wear five poppies?

The Royal Family have never addressed the interest around the Queen’s five poppies.

This has left people to speculate on what Her Majesty’s multiple poppies could signify.

The most popular theory is that each poppy represents a different service who contributed to the war efforts, these being the Army, RAF, Navy, Civil Defence and Women.

It has also been suggested that the multiple poppies are symbolic of the Queen’s position as the head of the Royal Family, and also the highest-ranking dignitary at the service.

Why do people wear poppies for Remembrance Day?

The origin of the poppy as a symbol of the war dates back to the First World War.

Poppies grew from the battlefields of the Western Front in Europe, as they thrived in the condition of the soil.

Canadian surgeon and poet John McCrae served at Ypres, Belgium and was struck by the sight of a field of poppies—so much so that he immortalized the sight in a famous war memorial verse called In Flanders Fields.

The poem includes moving lines like, “In Flanders' fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place…” and “If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow, In Flanders' Fields.”

Britain began to use the poppy symbol shortly after the war in 1921, when the Royal British Legion was formed.

What do the different coloured poppies mean?

As well as Her Majesty wearing multiple poppies, it is becoming increasingly more routine to see poppies which aren’t the traditional red.

What do white poppies mean?

If you're wondering why do people wear a white poppy in November, the white poppy is a symbol of peace.

Designed by the Co-operative Women's Guild in 1933 and adopted the following year by the Peace Pledge Union (PPU) as a symbol of anti-war and pacifist sentiment, it represents “remembrance for all victims of war, a commitment to peace and a challenge to attempts to glamorise or celebrate war.”

What do purple poppies represent?

Purple poppies are worn to honor the animals who fought and died in service during the wars.

The purple poppy is not endorsed by The Royal British Legion but they don't have an issue with it being worn.

What do black poppies mean?

Launched by Selena Carty in 2010 the black poppy is most commonly associated with the remembrance of Black, African, and Caribbean contributions to war efforts.

The correct way to wear a poppy

You might be wondering if there’s a correct way to wear your poppy, but the Royal British Legion have confirmed there is no wrong way to wear one.

An RBL spokesperson said, “It’s a matter of personal choice whether someone chooses to wear a poppy and how they choose to wear it.

“The best way to wear a poppy is simply with pride.”

Prince Harry is set to miss Remembrance Day in the UK as he and his wife Meghan Markle stay in the US and pay their respects at a Veterans day ceremony in New York.

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have ditched a UK Remembrance Day tradition in favor of a US ceremony.
• The Duke of Sussex will be the guest of honor at US event close to his heart.
• In other royal news, Prince Harry says 'Megxit' is a misogynistic term that was 'amplified by royal correspondents'. 

Since Prince Harry and Meghan 'stepped back' as senior members of the royal family in 2020, the couple has been living in California with their two young children, Lilibet and Archie.

Due to the pandemic, Prince Harry has only traveled back to the UK on a few occasions—such as when he unveiled the Princess Diana memorial statue in July at Kensington Palace. For the most part, however, Prince Harry has had to miss a variety of royal events that he would typically attend, including Remembrance Day in the UK.

Instead, the Prince is expected to appear in New York to award a medal on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. According to The Times, the Prince is expected to be the royal guest of honor at the Salute to Freedom Gala at the Intrepid Museum in New York. According to the publication, he'll present the inaugural Intrepid Valor Awards to military personnel.

As a member of the royal armed forces for over 10 years, and the creator of the Invictus games, these valor awards are particularly close to Prince Harry's heart as they will, “honor demonstrated courage and perseverance in the face of great danger and personal struggle.”

Prince Harry has been an advocate for mental healthcare and support for army personnel across the globe for many years. 

Although Prince Harry will not be returning to the UK, the royal family has a number of royal events lined up to take place over the weekend and already the Queen and the Cambridges have paid tribute to Remembrance Day.

When it was announced that the Queen will miss the COP26 summit, it was also revealed that she will be missing the traditional l Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, November 13, 2021.

However, her majesty vowed to attend the service at the Cenotaph the following day on Remembrance Sunday.

Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen had a short stay at King Edward VII's Hospital in London on October 21.  At the time, royal representatives explained that Her Majesty was undergoing some 'preliminary investigations,' and was in 'high spirits.'

Other senior members of the royal family will also be in attendance at the Remembrance Sunday event. Reportedly, Prince Harry 'saddened and disappointed' after being denied the chance to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in 2020 after the Queen reportedly denied Prince Harry's request in “all of two seconds.”

The Queen, Prince William, and Prince Charles have all used their social media accounts to pay tribute to the upcoming Remembrance Day that takes place in the UK on Thursday, November 11, 2021.

• The Queen has led members of the royal family in paying tribute to Remembrance Day.
• Members of the royal family have changed their profile pictures on Instagram to pay tribute and contribute to the Armed Forces community.
• In other royal news, The Queen could be forced to remove Meghan Markle's royal title, claims expert.

As the leader of the armed forces, the Queen has led remembrance day services at the cenotaph for many years. Although remembrance day doesn't take place until November 11, the Queen has made sure that in this digital age, she has paid tribute in other ways.

The Queen made a subtle change to her social media profile and changed her profile image to a photo of herself at a previous remembrance day service. The Image showed the Queen's face and neck as she was dressed all in black with only the red of the poppies adding color to the image.

Prince Charles and Camilla also changed their profile image on social media. The royal couple added an image that showed the pair of them sitting with members of the Royal British Legion, who collect money for the armed forces community every year.

This is a recent image that was taken just a month ago when Camilla and Charles hosted the charity organization at their home Clarence House. It was at this same event that Prince Charles' insecurity was highlighted in photos taken with Royal British Legion members.

Prince William and his wife Catherine also used their social media page to promote the Royal British Legion's charity for remembrance day.

Instead of posting an image of themselves like other members of the royal family, Kate and William instead drew attention to the poppy collection itself and posted an image of the red paper poppy that can be purchased across the UK. 

The poppy has the number '100' pasted across its petals which signifies the 100 years since the poppy appeal began in 1921.

The Royal British Legion says of this momentous year, "In 2021 we are marking 100 years since the nation’s collective Remembrance traditions were first bought together."

They added, "We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those that have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism."

Not all members of the royal family will be able to commemorate this 100-year tribute to the fallen soldiers. Prince Harry was denied the chance to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph which reportedly left him 'saddened and disappointed' as a former member of the armed forces. It is thought that the Prince will continue to stay in the US over the remembrance day weekend.

Why do people wear a white poppy in November is a question on our minds as Remembrance Sunday draws closer—and there is a hugely meaningful story behind the poignant symbol. 

Remembrance Sunday is marked annually by people across the world as they reflect and remember those who have lost their lives in war. Though the Queen has been forced to cancel her appearance at the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday 13th November, the official Buckingham Palace statement declared that it remains her “firm intention” to attend the ceremony the next day. The Queen and Kate Middleton have worn multiple poppies for this important occasion in the past. 

Red poppies like those seen on the royals are often the first symbol that springs to mind as Remembrance Sunday approaches. However, the white poppy also has a long history and similarly significant meaning behind it, meaning many people choose to wear a white poppy instead or as well. 

But why do people wear a white poppy and which is the right side to wear your poppy on?

What is a white poppy for? 

Just like the red poppy, the white poppy is a powerful mark of respect and remembrance to those who have been lost in war. Whilst the red poppy is worn in tribute to all those who have lost their lives in war, the white poppy has three distinct meanings behind it.  According to the Peace Pledge Union, the white poppy represents remembrance for all victims of war, rather than commemorating just those who have tragically lost their lives fighting in conflicts. 

The white poppy also reflects a commitment to peace and a departure from war, as well as presenting a challenge to any attempts to glamorize war or celebrate it in any way. In contrast, the Royal British Legion’s red poppies are typically worn as a mark of respect for the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces community more specifically and are also viewed as a symbol of hope.

Why do people wear a white poppy in November?

Each year thousands of people across the UK and overseas choose to wear the white poppy in November as they mark Remembrance Sunday and it has been worn as a powerful symbol of remembrance for over eighty years. Not only that, but the Peace Pledge Union has stated that in wearing white poppies, people are remembering all those killed in war, affected in body or mind. 

They also honor the millions of people who’ve had their communities torn apart or have been made homeless or sick as a result of conflict. People also wear a white poppy in November to remember those who have been killed or imprisoned for resisting war and as a symbol, it stands for both civilians and members of the Armed Forces, of all nationalities.

When is Remembrance Sunday 2021? 

Remembrance Sunday 2021 will be Sunday 14th November and according to the recent government guidelines for Remembrance Sunday, the National Service of Remembrance will go ahead as usual at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in London. 

The service will begin at 11am and will commemorate the important contribution of both British and Commonwealth service members involved in World War I, World War II and later conflicts. For those wishing to attend the Remembrance Sunday 2021 service, Whitehall will open to the public at 8am on the day.

Though the government has advised that space will be limited and there will also be security checks taking place. People should also think about health factors and about checking for symptoms Covid-19 before attending large events such as this.

No tickets or passes are required and people are welcome to observe the ceremony and pay their respects from the pavements along Whitehall and Parliament Street. There will also be video screens in place near the green of the Ministry of Defence building and south of the Cenotaph on the corner of King Charles Street.

When should you start wearing a poppy?

Traditionally many people start wearing a poppy from October 31 each year, eleven days before Remembrance Day. This is marked every year on November 11 with a two-minute silence at 11am as we reflect on the armistice agreement that ended World War I on this date and time in 1918, with the Remembrance Sunday ceremony taking place on the closest Sunday to this.

Other people choose to wait until after Halloween and Bonfire Night on November 5 to begin wearing their poppy, whilst others believe that wearing a poppy of any color is something that should be kept for the day of remembrance itself. Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference, though they are typically worn throughout early-mid November each year. 

What side should you wear a poppy on? 

The matter of which side you should wear your poppy on could differ depending on where you live and which advice you follow. According to the Royal British Legion, there is no “correct” way to wear your red poppy and they explain that how someone chooses to wear it is completely up to them, though they should wear it with “pride”. However, others such as the Royal Canadian Legion suggest that the poppy should be worn on the left side over the heart, as a mark of respect. 

This is the way members of the Royal Family have often been photographed wearing them each year, though whichever poppy and however you choose to wear it, the meaning behind it will always be the most important thing. 

Her Majesty the Queen will be forced to miss the Festival of Remembrance on November 13, following doctors' advice "to rest for at least the next two weeks."

• It recently emerged that the monarch spent the night in hospital for the first time since 2013.
• Now, Buckingham Palace have issued a statement stating that the Queen has been advised to clear her schedule for the next two weeks – meaning she will not be in attendance at the commemorative event, which will pay tribute to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces.
• In other royal news, Prince Charles has offered a stark warning to world leaders ahead of COP26 kicking off in Glasgow today. 

The Queen has been advised to take a further two weeks of rest following her recent hospital stay, according to a new update released by Buckingham Palace.

Releasing a statement on the monarch's current condition on Friday, the palace said: "Following on from their recent advice that The Queen should rest for a few days, Her Majesty’s doctors have advised that she should continue to rest for at least the next two weeks.

“The doctors have advised that Her Majesty can continue to undertake light, desk-based duties during this time, including some virtual Audiences, but not to undertake any official visits. Her Majesty regrets that this means she will be unable to attend the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday, 13th November."

The Festival of Remembrance, which is held in honour of those who have given their lives in the service of their country, has been marked at London's Royal Albert Hall every year since 1923.

Queen Elizabeth, who ascended the throne in 1952, has regularly attended the festival during her 69-year reign. 

Buckingham Palace's statement ensured to caveat, though, that despite the fact that the monarch is set to miss the commemorative festival (though no doubt a number of other senior working royals will attend in her place), she still very much plans on attending Remembrance Sunday services the following day.

"It remains the Queen’s firm intention to be present for the National Service of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, on 14th November," the statement concluded. 

Following the news, a senior royal source told The Mirror that the monarch is "incredibly saddened" to miss the festival on November 13, but doctors “would have to make a very strong case” to prevent Her Majesty from attending Remembrance Sunday commemorations one day later.

Indeed, the 95-year-old monarch has only missed six Remembrance Sundays at the Cenotaph during her 69-year reign.

Four of those absences were due to the fact she was abroad on royal tours, while the remaining two were while she was pregnant. A virtual National Service of Remembrance was held last year owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who attended his Wednesday meeting with the monarch as usual this week, Her Majesty remains "on very good form" despite recent setbacks.