Roxanne Powell
Senior Content Editor
The Tower of London paid tribute to the anniversary of the start of World War I on Tuesday with a large installment of red ceramic poppies. The “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” was visited by the royal family–Prince William, Duchess Kate, and Prince Harry–to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the war’s outbreak.
As of Aug 5, 120K poppies have been “planted” in the installation, but they hope to add more. The end goal will be 888,246 poppies, one for each British and Commonwealth soldier who died during the war.
The Duchess wiped away some tears while she added her own poppy to the piece. She, her husband, and her brother-in-law met with the installment’s designer, Paul Cummins, during their tour of the Tower. During the war, the Tower represented much of the city’s defense, serving first as a recruitment center and later as a prison–although it is commonly remembered as the prison of several historical figures.
While everyone is encouraged to “plant” their own poppy on the grounds, the final poppy will not be placed until November 1, Armistice Day.
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