When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance at Kris Jenner’s lavish 70th birthday celebration last week, the Duke of Sussex unexpectedly reignited a long-running and heartbreaking theory about his wife.
The star-studded event, held at Jeff Bezos’ Los Angeles mansion, drew an elite crowd that included Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, Serena Williams, Mark Zuckerberg, Chris Rock, Adele, Snoop Dogg, and the host herself, Kris Jenner.
Meghan, 44, looked elegant in a sleek black turtleneck gown, while Harry, 41, matched her sophistication in a tailored tuxedo. Yet it wasn’t their outfits that stirred the most conversation — it was the small red poppy pin on Harry’s lapel.
The Meaning Behind the Poppy
For those outside the UK, the red poppy holds deep significance. It’s traditionally worn in November in the lead-up to Remembrance Day (November 11) to honor those who lost their lives in the World Wars and subsequent British military conflicts.
However, in recent years, the poppy has become a surprisingly divisive symbol — particularly when associated with Meghan Markle.
The Meghan Controversy: “Damned If She Does, Damned If She Doesn’t”
When Meghan and Harry wore poppy pins last year in a video message shared through their Archewell Foundation — supporting a campaign to end violence against children in Colombia — she faced a barrage of criticism.
Tabloids branded her a “fraud” and a “hypocrite,” claiming it was insincere for her to display the symbol after leaving the UK in 2020.
Fast forward to this year: Meghan chose not to wear a poppy at Kris Jenner’s birthday party — and once again, criticism poured in. This time, detractors accused her of “not caring” about fallen soldiers.
