What is a Chelsea Pensioner?
The Chelsea Pensioners are retired British Army veterans who live at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. They come from various backgrounds across the United Kingdom, and their home here is an historic institution dedicated to providing care, camaraderie, and support to those who have served our nation.
Visit Us
A Soane Stable Yard Christmas
The Soane Stable Yard is an all-new visitor attraction set in the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
This December, step into the festive spirit at the Soane Stable Yard! Each Saturday, we’re hosting a joyful programme of family-friendly events and activities to celebrate the season in style.
Support Us
Leave a lasting legacy
Every legacy, large or small, has a meaningful impact. Thanks to our partnership with Octopus Legacy, you can now create a free, solicitor-approved Will from home. Whether you’re updating an existing Will or writing a new one, it’s simple, secure, and completely confidential.
Latest news
Conference sets ambitious national agenda on veterans’ service needs
The inaugural Aged Veterans’ Research Conference took place on 2 October at the National Army Museum. Co-hosted by the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research.
Royal Hospital Chelsea Recognised with Gold Standard Award for End-of-Life Care
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is proud to announce that the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary has once again been awarded the Gold Standard Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award for End-of-Life Care.
Chelsea History Festival Returns for 2025!
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is proud to once again take part in the Chelsea History Festival, returning for its seventh edition from Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 September 2025. Tickets are now on sale!
Chelsea Pensioners
The Nation's Iconic Army Veterans
The Chelsea Pensioners are the iconic faces of the British Army's veteran community. They reside at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, their home since 1692, founded by King Charles II in, what was then, the village of Chelsea.
Any former soldier of the British Army over the age of 65, who is facing spending their advanced years alone, can apply for residence at the Royal Hospital as a Chelsea Pensioner.
Veterans Outreach
Old Comrades
Old Comrades is the new online community designed exclusively for retired British Veterans to connect and reconnect over shared interests and experience, while discovering a local veteran community.
Introducing
Chelsea Pensioners Veterans Outreach
The Chelsea Pensioner Veterans Outreach programme operates from facilities here at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and aims to provide comradeship and a sense of community to retired veterans of the three Armed Services and Merchant Navy, who might benefit from the company of other veterans.
What we do
300 Veterans
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is home to nearly 300 Chelsea Pensioners who have previously served in the British Army and have reached State Pension age.
February 1692
Founded by King Charles II for those ‘broken by age or war’, the Royal Hospital opened its door to the first Chelsea Pensioners on 4th February 1692.
11th November
the Royal Hospital supports retired veterans throughout the UK through our Veterans Outreach programme. We also remember and commemorate all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.