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.
Discover the Soane Stable Yard
The Soane Stable Yard is an all-new visitor attraction set in the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Eminent architect Sir John Soane designed and built the new yard in 1814-17. It has been refurbished over the last three years thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund with support from other benefactors and charitable trusts.
Our 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.
Become a supporter of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Become a supporter of the Royal Hospital Chelsea today and enjoy exclusive events and opportunities with friends and family at one of the most iconic sites in the capital.
Latest news
The Chelsea Pensioners are set to have their own garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
At next year’s Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show 2025, a garden designed for the Chelsea Pensioners will be unveiled.
Royal Hospital Chelsea's Soane Stable Yard Reopens After Major Restoration
The historic Soane Stable Yard at the Royal Hospital Chelsea has officially reopened to the public. This marks a major milestone following a three-year restoration project, made possible by a generous grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other charitable trusts and donors.
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem
This year marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, a pivotal event during the Second World War.
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Chelsea Pensioners Veterans Outreach
The Chelsea Pensioner Veterans Outreach programme operates from facilities here at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, including the purpose-built Veterans Outreach Centre. We offer supported activity groups, talks, demonstrations and refreshments for veterans who visit us for a morning, afternoon or the whole day.
The programme aims to provide comradeship and a sense of community to veterans of the three Armed Services and Merchant Navy, in particular to those over the age of 65, who might benefit from the company of other veterans.
Support our Mobility Appeal
Help the Chelsea Pensioners to be as independent as possible, so they can make the most of our large site and the amazing area they live in.
Without mobility, the world shrinks. Independence, health and wellbeing are compromised, life can become limited and lonely and the cost of care increases. The age of the Chelsea Pensioners means mobility problems are common. It’s vital we address them as soon as possible so our residents can access all our community has to offer and enjoy the retirement they deserve, in return for their loyal service.
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.