Chelsea Pensioners welcome visitors to the new Soane Stable Yard at The Royal Hospital Chelsea
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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.

Christmas storytelling with the Chelsea Pensioners

Christmas storytelling with a Chelsea Pensioner

Join us for a magical festive experience at the beautifully decorated Soane Stable Yard this Christmas season!

A Special Event for Children: Every weekend leading up to Christmas, we invite our little visitors to gather ‘round as our beloved Chelsea Pensioners bring to life the enchanting tale from the book Spinach at Christmas.

Chelsea Pensioners look out across a snow covered Light Horse Court at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Support our Christmas Appeal

This Christmas, 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.

Chelsea Pensioners Salutes at The Royal Hospital Chelsea

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.

A group of costumed re-enactors stand together with a horse-drawn carriage at the newly renovated Soane Stable Yard

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.

Latest news

Chelsea Pensioner standing alongside a decorated British Military veteran

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.

Chelsea Pensioner stand alongside supporters during an event in the Great Hall

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

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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.

line drawing of the chapel

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.

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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.