What is a Chelsea Pensioner?
The Chelsea Pensioners are retired British Army veterans who live at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. They come from various backgrounds across the United Kingdom, and their home here is an historic institution dedicated to providing care, camaraderie, and support to those who have served our nation.
Support Us
"Before I became a Chelsea Pensioner, I spent eight long years alone.”
Behind every Chelsea Pensioner is a life that can be changed forever through your support.
Before becoming Chelsea Pensioners, many veterans have known moments like Paul's.
At the Royal Hospital Chelsea, that can begin to change with your support.
We're a charity providing care, companionship and community for retired British Army veterans - made possible by people like you.
Visit Us
Treasures of the Royal Hospital Chelsea Tour
Step inside one of the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s most special spaces with an exclusive tour of our Wellington Hall Museum, led by one of our own Chelsea Pensioners.
This remarkable museum is not usually open to the public - it can only be experienced by booking our new dedicated tour, making it a rare opportunity to explore the history that lives at the heart of the Royal Hospital.
Latest news
Chelsea Pensioners Veterans Outreach Picnic Returns with Record Attendance
The Royal Hospital Chelsea welcomed a record turnout of 500 veterans at this year’s Chelsea Pensioners Veterans Outreach Picnic, as new research highlights the programme’s positive impact on wellbeing and loneliness among veterans.
Founder's Day 2026
The Royal Hospital Chelsea was honoured to welcome Her Majesty The Queen as Reviewing Officer for Founder’s Day 2026, the most significant ceremonial occasion in the Royal Hospital calendar.
The Duchess of Edinburgh Opens Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Veterans Centre
The Royal Hospital Chelsea was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh to formally open the new Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Veterans Centre, a significant addition to the Hospital’s growing programme of support for veterans across the UK.
Chelsea Pensioners
The Nation's Iconic Army Veterans
The Chelsea Pensioners are the iconic faces of the British Army's veteran community. They reside at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, their home since 1692, founded by King Charles II in, what was then, the village of Chelsea.
Any former soldier of the British Army over the age of 65, who is facing spending their advanced years alone, can apply for residence at the Royal Hospital as a Chelsea Pensioner.
Support Us
Leave a lasting legacy
Every legacy, large or small, has a meaningful impact. Thanks to our partnership with Octopus Legacy, you can now create a free, solicitor-approved Will from home. Whether you’re updating an existing Will or writing a new one, it’s simple, secure, and completely confidential.
Veterans Outreach
The Chelsea Pensioner Veterans Outreach programme operates from facilities here at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and aims to provide comradeship and a sense of community to retired veterans of the three Armed Services and Merchant Navy, who might benefit from the company of other veterans.
What we do
300 Veterans
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is home to nearly 300 Chelsea Pensioners who have previously served in the British Army and have reached State Pension age.
February 1692
Founded by King Charles II for those ‘broken by age or war’, the Royal Hospital opened its door to the first Chelsea Pensioners on 4th February 1692.
11th November
the Royal Hospital supports retired veterans throughout the UK through our Veterans Outreach programme. We also remember and commemorate all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.