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.
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A Soane Stable Yard Christmas
The Soane Stable Yard is an all-new visitor attraction set in the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
This December, step into the festive spirit at the Soane Stable Yard! Each Saturday, we’re hosting a joyful programme of family-friendly events and activities to celebrate the season in style.
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From Isolation to Belonging
For David, leaving the Army was harder than he could have imagined…
After four decades of service, David was medically discharged, and struggled to adjust to life outside the military. The structure, camaraderie, and sense of purpose he'd known were all gone. He struggled to look after himself, and began to question everything - his future, his worth, and even the will to go on. For many veterans across the country, this is not just a story, it is reality.
Latest news
Christmas with the Chelsea Pensioners
Christmas is a magical time here, with a strong sense of community and tradition bringing our 300 residents together. As part of the lead up to Christmas, we’ve been reflecting on the qualities that help make the Royal Hospital Chelsea such a unique place to live.
Introducing the Royal Hospital Chelsea Christmas Cards for 2025
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is pleased to announce that this year’s collection of Christmas cards, now available to order online. This year’s collection brings together familiar scenes from our historic home and the work of celebrated illustrators, creating cards that feel personal, thoughtful and unmistakably Chelsea.
Remembrance: Alan's Story
Alan enlisted in the British Army at the age of 15 in 1965. He served with the Royal Military Police before joining the regular Army in 1967, and completed 22 years of military service before leaving in 1989. He joined the Chelsea Pensioners in January 2025, finding a renewed sense of community and purpose.
Chelsea 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.
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Leave a lasting legacy
Every legacy, large or small, has a meaningful impact. Thanks to our partnership with Octopus Legacy, you can now create a free, solicitor-approved Will from home. Whether you’re updating an existing Will or writing a new one, it’s simple, secure, and completely confidential.
Introducing
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.