Meghan Markle’s Clothing Choice Sparks Backlash

Meghan Markle’s choice to honor veterans by wearing a red poppy pin on her clothing to open a new Navy fitness center in San Diego with Prince Harry has sparked backlash online, as critics and fans of the duchess have debated its propriety.

Meghan and Harry joined members of the Navy SEAL Foundation on November 8 to open a new state-of-the-art Warrior Fitness Program facility in downtown San Diego.

For the occasion, the couple both dressed in black, with Meghan accessorizing her tailored pantsuit with a vivid red poppy pin with black banner. Harry also wore a poppy pinned to the lapel of his jacket.

Poppies are regularly worn in a number of countries around the world in November to mark remembrance events and Armistice Day (November 11), paying tribute to the men and women who have died while serving their countries in war.

In Britain, poppies are worn by members of the royal family, and many members of the public, throughout November in the buildup to what is known as “Remembrance Sunday” which forms the centerpiece of national tributes to fallen veterans with a service held at the Cenotaph war memorial in London.

Though poppies are worn by some Americans at this time in the buildup to Veterans Day, they are seen more widely around Memorial Day in May.

In 2017 the American Legion Family won the support of Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day where all Americans are encouraged to wear a poppy to honor fallen service personnel and veterans. Generic pins are sold around the country.

Meghan’s wearing the poppy in November instead of May has been criticized by some online as the duchess continues to prove a divisive public figure since marrying Prince Harry in 2018.

Meghan has marked remembrance events in November since her marriage and through Harry, who served two tours of Afghanistan with the British Army, is the wife of a veteran herself.

One X (formerly Twitter) user accused Meghan of adopting the poppy symbol as a means to draw attention during the San Diego event on Wednesday, writing:

“I didn’t think poppies are worn on Veterans Day in the US, but are worn on Memorial Day in May? Am I wrong? … & instead of attending court, here’s ‘that one’ yet again claiming front & centre stage at an event that has absolutely nothing to do with her. God give me strength. 🙏”

Another appeared to suggest that the poppy pin the duchess was wearing was exclusively tied to the Royal British Legion, though this does not appear to be the case. Meghan’s pin does not match any currently being sold by the organization.

“Meghan Markle looks like a bloody moron wearing a Royal British Legion Poppy,” they wrote. “Who told her wearing a British poppy while ‘celebrating American veterans’ would be a good look.”

By contrast some fans spoke out in defense of Meghan, citing her relationship with veterans as justification for wearing the pin at this time.

“As the wife of a British veteran, who served for 10 yrs, Meghan Markle can wear as many poppies as she wants,” they wrote. “She’s supporting her husband & the community. What really is offensive, is when those who’ve never served, use military uniforms as costumes.”

Another user wrote: “I love the way Meghan incorporates the Poppy flower into her clothing. She always pays close attention to detail, creating looks that speak to her character, that connect us to what causes are dear to her heart, and chooses pieces that can become a staple in anyone’s wardrobe.”

Newsweek approached representatives of the Duchess of Sussex via email for comment.

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.