News

David Walliams, the UK’s current best-selling author, invited Chelsea Pensioners and their grandchildren to the launch of his latest book, The Ice Monster, which includes a very special scene with a Chelsea Pensioner at the Royal Hospital, on Sunday November 25^th.  

Held in the Royal Hospital's Great Hall - one of the settings used in David's fictional children's book - the event kicked off with a welcome and introduction by Chelsea Pensioner Arthur Currie. BBC 2 Radio host Jo Whiley then interviewed David Walliams about his new book and life as the nation’s favourite children’s author. 

David Walliams treated guests to a reading of an excerpt from his book, detailing a scene where the Matron of the Royal Hospital Chelsea comes face to face with a woolly mammoth. The book’s illustrator, Tony Ross, joined David on stage to talk about the creative process behind his captivating drawings. He wowed the audience with a live illustration which was gifted to one of the children in attendance.

Chelsea Pensioner Arthur Currie said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be a part of such a magnificent event. It was great to see that Mr. Walliams was so interested in the history of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Chelsea Pensioners, and I hope that his work will mean that more people are aware of the Chelsea Pensioners in the future.”

After the talk, both David Walliams and Tony Ross took the time to sign books and talk to the Chelsea Pensioners and their families.

Reflecting on the event, David Walliams said: “I was honoured to do this event at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and I’m so glad that the Chelsea Pensioners were able to attend with their grandchildren. It’s such a beautiful place, and the Chelsea Pensioners are such great characters.”

David Walliams’ new book The Ice Monster is on sale now.