Why does Charlene White not wear a poppy? The Loose Women host has explained the reason

Why does Charlene White not wear a poppy? Loose Women fans have been asking the question, and the host previously revealed the reason. 

At the onset of November, many people ask questions about when you can start wearing a poppy and which side you should wear them, as Remembrance Day approaches. On TV, many newsreaders, presenters and other stars can be seen wearing the red flowers at this time of year, and it stands out when a person on screen opts not to wear them. 

Charlene, who hosts Loose Women and presents ITV news, is one of the TV personalities who have previously opted not to wear a poppy, and she previously released a statement explaining why. So, if you're wondering why Charlene White doesn't wear a poppy, keep reading to find out what she said...

Why does Charlene White not wear a poppy?

Charlene White has explained that she chooses not to wear a poppy because she 'feels uncomfortable supporting just one charity above all others' on screen. She went on to explain her decision further in a statement posted on ITV.com. 

She says, "I support and am patron of a number of charities, and due to impartiality rules, I am not allowed to visually support them all whilst presenting news programmes. 

"That includes things like a red ribbon for World Aids Day, or a purple band for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. 

"Both these and many more charities do great things in the UK, but I'm not allowed to give them exposure on screen."

Charlene goes on to add in the statement: "So I feel uncomfortable supporting just one charity above all others, namely The Royal British Legion, but I fully support my colleagues who do choose to wear the poppy on screen."

However, she goes on to explain that, off-screen, she does in fact wear a poppy. "In my private life, it's very different.

"I wear a poppy on Armistice Day - in fact I wear one that my friend Jen's mum knitted for me a few years ago.

"And I proudly have one of the ceramic poppies from the Tower Of London on my mantelpiece."

Charlene also said that making the decision each year not to wear a poppy is never an easy one, "due to the racist and sexist abuse that I often receive on social media as a result."

However, she ends her statement by saying, "However it is always important to remember what my family, your family, and millions of people over many generations have fought for: the right to choose, and the right of freedom of speech and expression."

Not only do  some people decide not to wear a poppy - for various different reasons - but there are others who choose to wear a white poppy. Meanwhile, the late Queen normally wore five poppies.

Remembrance Day is held on 11th November. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a two-minute silence is observed. This year, Remembrance Sunday takes place on 12th November.