First Lady, Melania Trump, visits the Royal Hospital Chelsea
13th July 2018
Today First Lady of the USA, Melania Trump, visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea as part of her inaugural visit to the UK as First Lady.
The First Lady heard about the Hospital’s 326 year history, its current education work and met the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. She was joined by Philip May, husband of the Prime Minister and Suzanne Johnson, wife of American ambassador Woody Johnson.
They were all treated to a tour of the Royal Hospital’s historic Wren Chapel, the Great Hall and even joined in with a bowls match with a group of Chelsea Pensioners and visiting school children from St George’s School on the Hospital’s own bowling green.
Gary Lashko, CEO of the Royal Hospital said: “The Royal Hospital has had the pleasure of welcoming many famous visitors over the years and was honoured to welcome the First Lady. We were particularly delighted that, as well as our history, Melania Trump wanted to learn more about our education and outreach work, which brings together local schoolchildren and the Pensioners so that they can learn from each other.”
Chelsea Pensioner, John Gallagher, said of the visit: “It was a pleasure to meet Melania. She was fascinated by our long history of caring for veterans and took a keen interest in our outreach work with local children. I think though the bowls game was her highlight. The kids were amazing and Melania hit the Jack, which is very difficult to do!"
The Royal Hospital has generous support from American donors both in London and in the US each year. The Hospital’s American ‘Friends’ contributed significantly to the construction of the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary in 2010. The US Ambassador Woody Johnson recently visited the Royal Hospital for a special 4th of July party hosted by the Chelsea Pensioners.
