I think the point is the British royals - ladies and men alike - are always seen to wear the poppies from the Royal British Legion - they now sell the sparkly ones too - in support not only of the commemoration, but of the charity fundraising involved.
Wearing a ruby studded poppy brooch every year would hardly convey the same message...
--Previous Message-- : : : During Armistice Day HRH the Duchess of : Cambridge wore chrystal poppy brooch. : : http://orderofsplendor.blogspot.be/ : : It's quite strange that the only royal with : a popy made from rubies & diamonds was : the late Princess Lilian of Belgium. I would : expected to see in the UK more ruby & : diamond poppy brooches. :