Veterans

'We Stand Proud!' Chelsea Pensioners Celebrate Founder's Day With Royalty

Chelsea Pensioners taking part in Royal Hospital Chelsea's Founder's Day parade at the hospital

Chelsea Pensioners have taken part in the annual Founder's Day parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

The parade commemorates the birthday of King Charles II, who founded the hospital in 1682, and his restoration as king following the English Civil War.

This year's parade was originally supposed to take place on its usual date in May but was postponed due to coronavirus restrictions.

With 2020's Founder's Day event cancelled, the 2021 parade returned with all the hallmarks of the traditional celebration.

Shoes were polished and brass buttons shone brightly as the Chelsea Pensioners enjoyed the return of their parade.

"Wearing the Scarlet, white gloves and tricorne for an audience is as necessary as bread and water," Chelsea Pensioner John Gallagher said.

"We stand proud!"

Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea taking part in the Founder's Day — The Royal Hospital Chelsea's Founder's Day parade returned this year having been cancelled in 2020 (Picture: MOD).

Chelsea Pensioners taking part in Royal Hospital Chelsea's Founder's Day parade — The parade commemorates the birthday of King Charles II, who founded the hospital in 1682 (Picture: MOD).

Chelsea Pensioners taling at the Royal Hospital Chelsea's Founder's Day parade — Ever since 1692, it has been held on or close to 29 May (Picture: MOD).

Chelsea Pensioners taking part in the Founder's Day parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea — This year's parade was supposed to take place in May, but was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions (Picture: MOD).

Chelsea Pensioners, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, taking part in the Founder's Day parade — The parade returned this year with all the hallmarks of the traditional celebration (Picture: MOD).

The Royal Hospital has followed all measures during the pandemic – including testing, isolation and a comprehensive vaccination programme – to protect its old soldiers, but now they're relishing the signs that the old way of life is returning, says Pensioner Peter Turner.

"This Founder's Day will be special for us all. It signifies the beginning of getting back to something like 'normal'.

"It's a celebration of our founder, and most of us are also looking on it as the beginning of the end of lockdown restrictions which, after nearly 18 months, has been very wearing for us," he added.

The Duke of Gloucester attended the parade, carrying out the duties of Reviewing Officer for the day – accompanied by The Duchess Of Gloucester.

Also present was the Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty, and the Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Sof McVeigh.

Veterans Minister Mr Docherty said: "I was delighted to attend Founder's Day and would like to thank the hospital for their ongoing support for our Armed Forces community."

Cover image: Chelsea Pensioners taking part in Royal Hospital Chelsea's Founder's Day parade at the hospital (Picture: MOD).