Prince Harry might've just proved 'sad theory' about Meghan Markle's decision not to wear a poppy

Whilst making an unexpected appearance at Kris Jenner's star-studded 70th birthday soiree last week, the Duke of Sussex inadvertently gave legs to a heartbreaking online theory about his wife.

Joined by Meghan, the British royal fell in line with a whole bunch of A-listers attending the famous momager's birthday bash, hosted in Jeff Bezos' Los Angeles mansion - including the likes of Jay-Z, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Mark Zuckerberg, Chris Rock, Adele, Jeff Bezos and Snoop Dogg.

Whilst the Duchess, 44, wore a slinky black turtle-neck gown, 41-year-old Harry sported a suave matching tuxedo.

Apparently, however, one aspect of the father-of-two's get-up set tongues wagging for a controversial reason - a poppy pin, attached to his left lapel.

For those reading from outside of the UK, poppies are typically worn by Brits in November during the run-up to Remembrance Day (11 November), to commemorate the lives lost during the two World Wars, as well as the lives lost in all British conflicts.

The couple attended the Los Angeles bash (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

In recent years, however, poppy pins have very much become a source of contention in the celebrity realm - especially with regards to US-born former Suits actress Meghan.

As one social media user pointed out on X (formerly Twitter) this week, when Meghan wore a poppy during public appearances last year, she was ruthlessly slammed by the world's tabloid press.

After she and Harry donned the red flower last year for a video on ending violence against children in Colombia (shared on their Archwell Foundation website), Meghan was branded a 'fraud' and a 'hypocrite', given that the couple had fled the UK for the States in 2020.

This year, after opting not to wear a poppy pin for the Hollywood get-together, the As Ever founder was subjected to the same treatment, with critics claiming she 'doesn't care' about the troops that died.

Meghan wore the poppy for a video last year (Archwell Foundation)

Pointing out this inconsistency, the online user explained their sad theory, writing: "Last year Meghan wore a poppy and the tabloids tore her apart. This year she didn’t wear one, and guess what—same outrage."

They added: "It’s the classic case of damned if she does, damned if she doesn’t. No matter what she does, they’ll twist it. That level of obsession is beyond unhealthy."

And by the sounds of things, the greatly varied reception Prince Harry received for wearing his poppy this year proves that the couple are both damned if they do, and damned if they don't.

"The poppy is taking me out. You’re in LA, mate, attending a Kardashian bash??" one hater hit out, whilst another commended him, adding: "I may not be Harry's biggest fan, but he served with the armed forces, and if he chooses to wear a poppy to a party, I see no issue with it."

The couple are damned if they do, and damned if they don't (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Agreeing that theory on Meghan and Harry's unfair critiques must be true given the backlash she's faced within the last 24 hours alone, another X user agreed: "Its true. Just stop it."

A third also penned: "It's demonic. Pure hate."

In agreement, another pointed out to tabloid reporters: "Last year you blasted her for wearing poppy, now you are offended because she didn't wear."