To mark International Women’s Day, we celebrate two female Chelsea Pensioners who challenged stereotypes in the Army and beyond. 

February has seen snow in much of the country, including here at the Royal Hospital. Our Grounds Manager, Ric Glenn, explains the impact of the weather and shares the first signs of spring. 

On Thursday 4, The Royal Hospital was proud to add its name to the growing list of organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. The signing took place during a virtual ceremony between The Governor, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL and the Rt. Hon Johnny Mercer MP, Minister for Defence People and Veterans.

Chelsea Pensioner Paul Whittick, who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, has always been keen on keeping fit. In the light of lockdown, he says staying physically and mentally active is more important than ever.

The pandemic has meant it’s been a very difficult year for us all. The Chelsea Pensioners are no exception and have missed getting out and about. Nevertheless, they’ve put a brave face on it and, as one Chelsea Pensioner puts it, “the banter continues”.

We are delighted to be able to share an exclusive opportunity to join the Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the 2020 Christmas Carol service, which this year has been recorded to allow our friends and supporters to enjoy the concert from the safety and comfort of their home.

Today the Chelsea Pensioners had an early Christmas present delivered from the NHS in the administration of the Pfizer vaccine.

Senior staff nurse Gail St Juste Alcide says that the dementia ward’s Christmas celebrations will be as joyful as ever, despite the pandemic. 

The Christmas Cake Ceremony has been a tradition for over 70 years, beginning in 1949, and is a symbol of the enduring friendship between the UK and Australia.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea has been celebrating the Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses ever since the first Chelsea Pensioners arrived back in 1692. It's a tradition that spans over three centuries! But this year was very different.

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Chelsea Pensioner Billy in scarlet uniform
Meet Chelsea Pensioner Billy Knowles

Chelsea Pensioner, Billy, joined the Army at 15 years old as an Infantry soldier. During his 25 years in the Army, he eventually became a drummer, working up to a drum major and leaving the military as a Warrant Officer. 

Billy has been at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for three years. His love for music continues; he is part of the singing group and teaches ukulele to his fellow Pensioners. Billy shares more on his time in the Army and how he is spending his time at the Royal Hospital Chelsea… 

Black and white photo of Mick Gue at the Cypriot running championship
Meet Chelsea Pensioner Mick Gue: Sporting Success

Chelsea Pensioner, Mick Gue, talks about his athletic triumphs in the Army, and what he is doing now to stay fit in retirement.