The Queen has recently expressed her appreciation for the Poppy Factory's immense contribution to producing royal wreaths for Remembrance Sunday and for their unwavering support of military veterans. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, hosted a reception at Clarence House to commemorate 100 years since the charity settled into its Richmond upon Thames residence in London.
For the past decade, Queen Elizabeth II has actively supported the Poppy Factory by visiting its premises in west London and regularly touring the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, adorned with poppy crosses, in anticipation of Armistice Day.
During the reception, Camilla, who was presented with a poppy-made number 10 to mark her ten-year involvement with the charity, expressed her astonishment at having been associated with the Poppy Factory for a decade. She addressed the attendees, stating, 'I'm very proud to be part of the Poppy Factory because I've witnessed the remarkable work that you do.' Highlighting the significance of caring for veterans in the current era, she emphasized, 'It's crucial to ensure these veterans receive the attention they deserve, as sometimes they do not receive as much as they require. Without the Poppy Factory and other charities supporting them, I do not know how they would cope.'
Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, the President of the Poppy Factory, solicited the Queen's assistance in conveying their best wishes to the King, who recently returned to Sandringham after undergoing cancer treatment in London. The attendees applauded and earnestly wished him a swift recovery.
Prior to this, Camilla took the opportunity to commend two dedicated members of the Poppy Factory, Peter Wills, 62, and Paul Hammerton, 61. The duo has been manufacturing wreaths for the royal family that are laid at the Cenotaph every Remembrance Sunday for several years. Camilla, communicating via a sign language interpreter as both Wills and Hammerton are deaf, expressed her pride in their work, conveying, 'We're proud of what you do. You've been making our wreaths for many years, and we thank you wholeheartedly.'
Established in 1922, the Poppy Factory was initially founded with the objective of providing employment opportunities to wounded, sick, and injured veterans of World War I. Their production initially took place at a factory located in London's Old Kent Road before being relocated to Richmond upon Thames in 1924.
While the Poppy Factory no longer produces poppies, a task that has been assumed by the Royal British Legion (RBL) in recent years, it remains actively engaged in crafting approximately 100,000 wreaths annually for the RBL. These include 200 specialized wreaths for dignitaries such as the royal family and politicians. Furthermore, the Poppy Factory remains committed to assisting the country's ex-servicemen and women through its veteran and family employment services, supporting individuals in overcoming challenges and facilitating their return to the workforce.
During the reception, the Queen was presented with an exhibition showcasing the evolution of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance throughout various decades. Additionally, she had the opportunity to view a display model of one of her own Remembrance Sunday wreaths.
Mr. Hammerton, one of the craftsmen responsible for the wreaths, explained how he handcrafted the red poppies using rolled paper with broom bristles inserted in the center to represent the stamens. He further shared that it takes approximately two weeks to complete each wreath, emphasizing the honor they feel in creating wreaths for the royal family.
The Queen's recognition and support of the Poppy Factory serve as a powerful testament to the vital role the organization plays in both honoring the sacrifice of our military veterans and providing essential assistance to help them reintegrate into society. With the Poppy Factory's continued dedication to their mission, they are ensuring that the legacy of remembrance endures and that the lives of our brave servicemen and women are forever appreciated and valued.
