Tri-Service
Royal Visit On Special Day For Chelsea Pensioners
The Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea have been celebrating someone even older: Charles II.
They've held their annual Founder's Day, an event that's been running for more than 300 years.
It honours King Charles II, who founded the Army veteran's home in 1681.
Colonel Simon Bate, Adjutant of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, said that the day wasn't only important as a way to remember soldiers and veterans, but also a chance for today's veterans to invite their friends and families and have a chance to show themselves off as who they are.
As part of the tradition, the veterans and staff wear oak leaves.
These are in remembrance of Charles II hiding in an oak tree to stay hidden from the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War.
This year it was the turn of the Princess Royal to review the Pensioners, who took the opportunity to officially open their newly-refurbished Long Wards.
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