Royal Hospital Chelsea – Alan Malcher

Founders Day at the Royal Hospital Chelsea- The Chelsea Pensioners.

Again, it was an honour to be invited to attend Founders Day of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The reviewing officer was HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Royal Hospital was established “For the succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war, founded by Charles II, enlarged by James II and completed by King William and Queen Mary in the year of our lord 1692. “
After entering the grounds visitors were given an Oak Leaf to wear in remembrance of King Charles II escaping from Parliamentary troops by hiding in a Oak Tree after the Battle of Worcester in 1651 during the civil.

It was wonderful spending time with veterans of several generations including this veteran of the Korean War and all had incredible stories to tell.

Founder’s Day the Royal Hospital Chelsea (Chelsea Pensioners)

Founder’s Day 2024.

It was a great pleasure to be invited to attend Founder’s Day at the Royal Hospital Chelsea where the reviewing officer was Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, after being inviting by Tony Millard noted for his many years of continued charitable work supporting veterans.

Chelsea Pensioners and guests were given an oak leaf to wear symbolising the oak tree where Prince Charles, later crowned Charles II, hid after the Battle of Worcester during the English Civil War (c1642-1651) when Parliamentary troops were searching for him. After the restoration of the monarchy, in 1681 King Charles II issued a Royal Warrant to build a hospital for those ‘broken by age and war’ which later became know as the Royal Hospital Chelsea. An added bonus was briefly meeting for the first time Dr Gogna from Australia who recognise me, knew my name and thanked me for my historical articles of remembrance. After this I attended an informal celebration of D-day (Normandy Landings) at Tony and Sue Millard’s pub called the Clarence at 148 North End Road West Kensington, London where the proceeds of a raffle went to the London Taxi Charity which has been supporting veterans since 1948.

As this was a traditional London celebration I apologise for the short clip of me attempting to dance!