Prince William has called on young people to wear their poppy and reflect on the meaning of Remembrance Day, in a heartfelt new video message released today (Tuesday, November 11).

The Prince of Wales, who took part in Sunday’s national Remembrance service (November 9), used the address to remind young viewers why it is important to honour those who served and sacrificed their lives in war.

“Armistice Day is an important time for us to stop and reflect; it is a reminder that Remembrance is for everyone,” William said in the video, which was shared with audiences aged nine to fourteen.

“When we remember, we connect with service in a personal way. We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten. It’s not just about the past, it’s about shaping who we become in the future.”

He continued: “Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience, and responsibility. And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment of silence, we are saying, ‘Thank you. We have not forgotten, and we will not forget.’ Coming together for Remembrance is a vital way to honour those whose service keeps us safe.

“Even today, as we continue to face conflicts across the world, we honour those who have gone before us and those who are serving now. Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they remind us to be respectful, kind, brave, and thoughtful every day.”

Prince George Attends Festival of Remembrance

William’s message came just days after his son, Prince George, attended the Royal British Legion’s annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

It marked the 12-year-old’s first time at the ceremony, where he joined his mother, Princess Kate, along with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Edward, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. William was absent from the event as he was in Brazil for The Earthshot Prize and the COP30 conference.

George wore a smart black suit with a red poppy on his lapel, a moment that touched many royal fans. One wrote on social media: “Such a wonderful first mother and son engagement. They both look sharp and happy.” Another added: “Prince George has grown up so quickly, and it’s heartwarming to see him by his mother’s side at such a significant event.”

Meghan’s Absence of a Poppy Sparks Debate

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also made headlines over the weekend for a different reason. The Duchess of Sussex was photographed without a poppy while attending Kris Jenner’s birthday party on Saturday night (November 8).

Harry, however, wore a poppy on his tuxedo — a detail that drew attention to his wife’s decision not to wear one.

While some criticized Meghan, many fans defended her online. “Last year Meghan wore a poppy and the tabloids tore her apart. This year she didn’t, and it’s the same outrage,” one person wrote on X. “It’s a classic case of damned if she does, damned if she doesn’t.”

Another added: “She is damned if she does, damned if she doesn’t.”

According to the Royal British Legion, wearing a poppy is “never compulsory” but “greatly appreciated by those it is intended to support.” The organization describes it as a “very personal choice.”

Meghan has previously worn poppies both during her time as a working royal and after moving to the United States with Harry in 2020.