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.
Introducing
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.
Latest news
Looking Ahead to Founder’s Day: Honouring the Vision of King Charles II
Later this week, we gather once again to celebrate Founder’s Day, the most significant ceremonial occasion in the calendar of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Known affectionately as Oak Apple Day, it is an opportunity to honour our founder, King Charles II, and to reflect on the enduring legacy of the institution he established over 330 years ago.
From the archives: "A Soldier's Dream in Blighty"
As we celebrate yesterday's gold award for this year's Chelsea Flower Show Garden, we take a moment to reflect on a very special moment in our past - the 2005 Gold Medal-winning garden, A Soldier’s Dream of Blighty.
Chelsea Pensioner Garden Wins Gold at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
We are delighted to announce that the Chelsea Pensioner Garden, designed by Dave Green and supported by London Square Developments, has been awarded Gold in the Small Show Gardens category at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025.
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 between 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.
Support 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.
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.
Royal Hospital Chelsea
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.