Princess Anne praises inspirational Chelsea Pensioners at this year's Founder's Day
The Princess Royal has praised Chelsea Pensioners celebrating Founder's Day at London's Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Princess Anne delivered a moving speech – dedicating a special tribute to the veterans of the Second World War, with this year's Founder's Day coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France.
Gathering in the Hospital's iconic Figure Court, those able to stand formed up into guards, with others using wheelchairs and scooters, with almost every one of the almost 300 Chelsea Pensioners getting the chance to speak with Princess Royal – the reviewing officer for this year's parade.
Music was performed throughout the event by the Band of the Coldstream Guards.
The Chelsea Pensioners, dressed in their scarlet coats adorned with oak leaves, were commended by Princess Anne as an "inspiration", and she also praised the voluntary and invitational work.
The Princess Royal said: "Pensioners, staff, volunteers, ladies and gentlemen – it is a real pleasure for me to be here with you again at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for your Founder's Day.
"Together, we remember the sacrifice of so many of those sailors, soldiers and aviators which started that road to freedom on the 6 June 1944.
"Can I thank all of you, Chelsea Pensioners, for continuing to represent our nation so proudly at the countless commemorations, celebrations and other events throughout the year that you are invited to and volunteer for."
One pensioner who was in attendance, Roy Cadman, took part in the D-Day landings.
The veterans were described by Princess Anne as "symbols of security" for the UK.
She also thanked the staff and family members who support the facility and its residents.
What is Founder's Day?
The Royal Hospital's veterans have gathered in the central quadrangle, Figure Court, nearly every year since 1692 to mark the foundation by King Charles II.
For the occasion, the statue of the King is embellished with oak leaves.
The guests and participants also wear a customary sprig of oak, to commemorate the monarch's escape from parliamentary forces.
It is said the King avoided capture by hiding in an oak tree.
The hospital was founded more than 330 years ago by the King to provide a home for veterans "broken by age or war".
Join Our Newsletter
