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.
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.
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 our Current Appeal
In 2025, your support can make a world of difference to the lives of veterans at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Many of our Chelsea Pensioners, who served their country with pride, now find community and companionship here, thanks to our generous supporters. But for many, life before arriving at the Royal Hospital was marked by loneliness and isolation.
Latest news
Infirmary refurbishment nominated for ‘Best Interior Design’ at Healthcare Design Awards 2025
We are delighted to announce that the refurbishment of our Infirmary building has been nominated for ‘Best Interior Design’ at the Healthcare Design Awards 2025.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea celebrates the 75th Ceremony of the Christmas Cake
Festivities continued this week at the Royal Hospital Chelsea as we celebrated the annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cake
The Royal Hospital celebrates this year's Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses
Today, the Chelsea Pensioners enjoyed the annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses, a much-loved festive tradition at the Royal Hospital.
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.
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.
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.