Royal British Legion's 2026 Poppy Appeal to highlight sacrifices of Armed Forces families

This year's Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal is shining a light on the unique challenges and sacrifices Armed Forces families face.

To launch the appeal today, representatives from the Royal Navy, Army, and RAF presented four specially crafted poppies to Armed Forces families across the country.

The bespoke poppies were made from the metal of Second World War Spitfires and were a way of recognising the vital role families play in supporting those who serve.

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Support where it is needed

Started in 1921, the appeal aims to raise more than £50 million to fund the RBL's work supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families throughout their lives.

When a partner or parent serves, they will often spend months away at a time, missing birthdays, anniversaries and first days at school.

The RBL supports Armed Forces families throughout their lives, from managing deployments and financial hardship to coping with bereavement and caring for loved ones in old age.

One-day poppy presentation mission

Beginning in Manchester, six-year-old Ivy Knighton-Leake, from Bradford, kicked off the 2026 launch when Private Katie Brazier, from the Royal Anglian Regiment, presented her with one of the special poppies.

Ivy is one of the country's youngest Poppy Appeal collectors and takes part in the annual fundraiser alongside her father Steve Knighton, who was supported by the Royal British Legion (RBL) in adjusting to life outside the military when he left the Royal Signals after six years.

Mr Knighton said: "Ivy got herself involved. I showed her that I was going to be going and collecting and she saw the stalls a couple of years ago and she said 'can I join you, can I have a poppy shop?'

"As an ex-serviceperson it's really important to me and I also benefited from the services of the British Legion when I first left the military, so I feel like I owe a debt to them and I'm paying it back."

The launch then travelled to North Wales, and the RBL's Battle Back Centre in Shropshire, before finishing in London. 

Military service shapes family life

Dame Joanna Lumley, a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion, whose father served as a Major in the 6th Gurkha Rifles, is backing the 2026 Poppy Appeal.

Drawing on her own experience growing up in an Army family, she said: "I've seen firsthand how much military service shapes family life. 

"When someone serves, their loved ones share in the uncertainty, the time apart and the sacrifices that come with it.

"I'd encourage everyone to get behind the Royal British Legion this year and show their support."

Lucy Inskip, Director of the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal, said the annual campaign raises vital funds to support the Armed Forces community. 

"This year, we're proud to be highlighting that when someone serves, their family serves too, recognising the families behind those who serve and the unique sacrifices they make," she said.

"From short-term relief to lifelong support, your donation enables the RBL to help the Armed Forces and their families, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed."

At any given moment, the RBL is supporting around 8,000 members of the Armed Forces community with expert advice and practical support, which would not be possible without donations from the public and the charity's 50,000 collectors and volunteers.