The King’s Coronation holds a special significance for the Royal Hospital. Each and every Chelsea Pensioner swore allegiance to The Queen and that pledge of loyalty continues to her successor. And the Royal Hospital itself would not be here today without our current King’s namesake, King Charles II.
Last week, ‘Re-Imagine’ – an exhibition of arts and crafts created by the Chelsea Pensioners held in Wren House – highlighted the exceptional range of talent here at the Royal Hospital.
When lockdown was first on the horizon, the Royal Hospital wanted to find activities that would keep the Pensioners interested and occupied, without putting them at risk. The Army drill of pace-sticking was suggested and not only has it proved extremely popular, the Chelsea Pensioner pace-stickers held their own against serving soldiers when they visited Sandhurst for the annual pace-sticking competition. Due to the exceptional circumstances this year, the usual international event was replaced by the first-ever tri-services contest.
This summer we are delighted to announce that, for the first time, the Luna Cinema will take up residency in our South Grounds. Tickets are now on sale to enjoy an outdoor, socially distanced, cinema experience over two weeks from the 25th of August.
This year, the Royal Hospital held a slightly unusual Founder's Day Parade in order to observe social distancing. Although we were very sad our friends, supporters and Reviewing Officer HRH the Duchess of Cornwall could not be in attendance, the Chelsea Pensioners still managed to mark the day with true military spirit.
With the country likely to be under prolonged isolation, the Governor of the Royal Hospital has reluctantly taken the decision to cancel the Founder’s Day celebrations this year.
On Thursday 10 October, as part of the Chelsea History Festival, the Royal Hospital’s Wren Chapel will be the setting for The Lark Ascending – a concert of English vocal and orchestral music. William Vann explains what makes The Lark Ascending concert at the Wren Chapel special.
Tickets are now on sale for a fascinating festival of history on the Royal Hospital Road in one of London’s most ancient districts.
Colin Thackery stormed to a sensational victory on the Britain's Got Talent grand final and won universal praise for his heart-rending performances. But what encouraged him to apply to perform on the show?
On the Royal Hospital’s south grounds the D-Day 75 Garden stands as an ephemeral and touching reminder of the sacrifice made by so many on the shores of Normandy on the 6th June 1944.
