On 3 August 2021 it will be 300 years since Grinling Gibbons’ death. At the Royal Hospital we know him as the artist responsible for the striking gilded statue of our founder that stands in Figure Court – named in its honour.
Founder’s Day is the highlight of the Royal Hospital’s calendar. Ever since 1692, it has been held on or close to 29 May – the birth of King Charles II and the date of his restoration to the throne.
The Soldiers’ Arts Academy links serving and veteran Army personnel and their families with professionals from the creative arts. Through a range of workshops, projects and productions they give participants the opportunity to discover new interests, recover from difficult experiences, transition into civilian life and even find new careers.
The monuments in the old Burial Ground record Chelsea Pensioners who took part in famous battles, former Governors and other members of staff and their families – and famous figures from the Royal Hospital’s history.
The last Sunday in June was a significant date for the Royal Hospital. Almost every Sunday, between April and November the Governor’s Parade – reviewed by the Governor, the Quartermaster or the Royal Hospital’s doctor - is conducted by the duty officer appointed for the week. For the first time the duty officer responsible was a woman...
The Royal Hospital Chelsea community continues to send our thoughts and condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time. Many of our Chelsea Pensioners were fortunate enough to meet HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at the Royal Hospital’s Founder’s Day celebrations or through his other official duties.
Like the rest of the country, the Chelsea Pensioners are looking forward to the easing of lockdown restrictions starting this week. Almost all the Pensioners have now had their second vaccinations and infection rates and serious cases of Covid-19 are on the decline in the area.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh this morning. Our Governor, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL, shared the below statement.
In a world where social isolation is rife, the Royal Hospital community is not only ensuring the Chelsea Pensioners are not at risk of loneliness, we’re doing our best to extend the benefits of our way of life to as many veterans as possible.
To mark International Women’s Day, Matron Jayne Cumming RRC, who left the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel talks about her military nursing career.
