ROYAL staff are furious over an amazing ban on poppies at full state banquets at Buckingham Palace.
Flunkies were ordered not to wear the flower in remembrance of Britain’s war dead at a bash for foreign diplomats. Some claim Foreign Office officials warned they could be
FIRED if they did.
Staff said they were told the poignant symbol might offend ambassadors at last Thursday’s dinner — hosted by the Queen.
Even police were told to leave their poppies at home for the annual event, attended by more than 300 guests.
One household source claimed the Foreign Office gave the order.
He said: “They told the Palace that wearing poppies could offend the ambassadors, which is farcical.
“And as the Foreign Office are in charge, we have to listen.
“Staff are disgusted. It’s a total insult to our veterans and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Several household staff are threatening a revolt over the ban.
The source added: “The Royals are huge supporters of the Poppy Appeal and there is a big box of poppies in the staff room for us to wear.
“I’m sure the Duke of Edinburgh or Prince Harry would have been furious at this.”
Thursday’s bash was for new ambassadors and high commissioners working in London.
A Palace spokesman said poppies were ruled out by protocol. He said: “Historically you do not wear poppies with full state ceremonial evening dress.”