The Queen celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Poppy Factory at Clarence House

At a reception at Clarence House, Her Majesty met employees and long-standing friends and partners of The Poppy Factory, as well as veterans and family members who have overcome barriers and seen their lives changed by civilian employment with help from the organisation.

The Poppy Factory was first set up in 1922 to create civilian employment for wounded, sick and injured veterans of the First World War, initially through a small factory in Old Kent Road. 

In 1924, preparations began to move to its current home in Richmond upon Thames, where a thriving community of veterans and families was quickly established to make Remembrance poppies and wreaths for The Royal British Legion and The Royal Household, with many veterans living on site. 

The production of Remembrance wreaths for The Royal British Legion continues there today, alongside the coordination of its national Veteran and Family Employment Services.

During today's reception, The Queen heard about the evolution of the Poppy as a symbol of Remembrance and the factory’s role in making poppies and wreaths for The Royal British Legion and The Royal Household.

The reception also celebrated 10 years since Her Majesty first became involved in the work of The Poppy Factory.

In her role as Patron, Her Majesty has visited The Poppy Factory in Richmond a number of times, where she has seen first-hand how Remembrance poppies are made. 

In 2013, during a visit to The Poppy Factory, The Queen (as The Duchess of Cornwall) added the finishing touches to The then Prince of Wales' wreath, which would be laid at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.