Military governance
The Royal Hospital Chelsea has always used a system of military governance which continues today. The Governor is a four-star General appointed by the Crown and historically, he was supported by the Lieutenant Governor. In 2016, this appointment was disbanded, and a new post of Chief Executive Officer was formed.
The system has constantly evolved to suit administrative needs. For example, there was no provision for an Adjutant in the first ‘establishment’, however in 1703 this appointment was added with the duties defined as, ‘Looking after the Arms, Ammunition etc. regulating the Guards and other necessary services’. The post of Adjutant was disbanded in 2017 and replaced with a Director of Health and Wellbeing.
The Major’s duties included taking responsibility for discipline, drill and exercise, and for inspecting the guard and quarters.
The post of Captain of Invalids was created in 1834, and those recruited were all retired Commissioned Officers, with priority given to those injured during their service. Today there are four Captains of Invalid, each responsible for a ‘company’ of Pensioners.
Other posts represented by veterans include the Quartermaster, Physician and Surgeon, Chaplain, Regimental Sergeant Major and the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant.
Each of these post holders has a ceremonial role and are required to wear uniform as they once did during their service.