Prince William has urged young people to wear a poppy on Remembrance Day today because it’s “not just about the past; it’s about shaping who we become in the future”. His remarks about learning from “the courage of others” contrast strongly with the ritual poppy apoplexy being expressed elsewhere.

“Performative poppy wearing” has become “toxic”, said Helen Coffey in The Independent , with politicians and TV presenters getting “a pile-on” for “an empty lapel” and actor Mark Rylance branded “woke” for wearing the pacifist white poppy .

‘Vile abuse’

“Every year they get more unhinged,” said Coffey, citing the “public shaming” of “anyone foolish/thoughtless/bold enough” to show their face on television in November without “a scarlet talisman pinned proudly to their chest”. The vitriol “

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