It was the Queen’s fourth visit to the factory where remembrance poppies and wreaths are made by ex-Servicemen and disabled dependants.
The Queen visited Richmond’s Poppy Factory on Wednesday to celebrate the charity’s 90th anniversary.
It was the Queen’s fourth visit to the factory where remembrance poppies and wreaths are made by ex-Servicemen and disabled dependants.
Her Majesty was accompanied by President of The Poppy Factory, Sara Jones, Chairman Bernard Cook and Chief Executive Melanie Waters on the hour-long tour.
Ms Waters said: “We were extremely honoured that in her very busy Diamond Jubilee year, The Queen made time to visit us.
“Her Majesty spent an hour talking to all our employees at the factory as well as supporters and clients – wounded, injured and sick ex-Service men and women who we have assisted back into paid, meaningful civilian employment around the UK.”
Her Majesty met the factory work force which includes Royal wreath maker Brian Edwards and husband-and-wife team Ian and Gillian Lindsay, who together have made poppies for 26 years.
After help from Mr Lindsay, The Queen even made her own poppy and expressed her surprise that her work remained in one piece.
The unique poppy will be kept in pride of place at the factory with the Palace having placed the Royal cypher on the poppy’s petals prior to the event.
Her Majesty was presented with her own poppy posy designed and made by Iris Kellett at the end of her visit which included symbols of the Queen Mother and Prince Charles.
A Poppy Factory spokesperson said: “The workforce really enjoyed the whole morning and was really impressed that Her Majesty spoke to everyone and was so generous with her time.”
The Poppy Factory, as the official poppy manufacturer, is also responsible for planting and hosting the Field of Remembrance outside Westminster Abbey every year.
Prince Phillip attended Wednesday’s opening service as did the factory’s General Manager, Bill Kay.
Mr Kay said: “It was a very successful event. We have something in excess of 100,000 crosses planted in the ground.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s attendance was much appreciated by everybody as it always is.”
The Poppy Factory has helped over 200 war veterans find mainstream and sustainable local employment around the UK.
This year the factory has produced 500,000 poppies of the 45million produced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is the official poppy manufacturer, having worked closely with the Royal British Legion since 1922.
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