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.

A Home for Soldiers Broken by Age and War

The Royal Hospital Chelsea was founded in 1682 by King Charles II as a response to the neglect and hardship faced by soldiers who had served their country. Inspired by Les Invalides in Paris, he envisioned a place of dignity, community, and lifelong care for British Army veterans.

Today, we are proud to continue that mission - providing a home and a sense of purpose for the Chelsea Pensioners, while preserving the traditions, values, and ceremonial life that define our institution.

Why We Wear the Oak Leaf

Founder’s Day is rich in symbolism. Everyone on parade, along with attending guests, wears an oak leaf sprig on their attire. This tradition commemorates one of the most defining moments in Charles II’s life: his dramatic escape following the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Fleeing capture by Parliamentary forces, the young king hid in the branches of an oak tree at Boscobel House. It was this moment of survival and providence that he later honoured by instituting Oak Apple Day - and it is this moment we continue to remember each year.

The Gilded Tribute in Figure Court

At the heart of our celebrations is the gilded statue of Charles II in Figure Court, which is adorned each year with an oak leaf arrangement in tribute to the founding monarch. The presentation changes subtly each time - some years the statue is nearly hidden beneath a dramatic, full oak bough; other years, it is marked by a smaller, elegant display. These annual designs are a gesture of continuity, linking past to present.

Over the years, the statue has become a focal point for Founder’s Day photography, with striking images of its changing oak displays helping to tell the story of our traditions. This year, we look forward to once again sharing photographs from the day - past and present—as part of our renewed coverage.

A Day of Ceremony and Reflection

Founder’s Day is not only a celebration of the Royal Hospital’s origins, but a living expression of its values. From the military parade to the inspection of the Chelsea Pensioners by a royal or distinguished guest, the day unites history, remembrance and community. It is a reminder that the care we provide today is rooted in a promise made over three centuries ago.

We look forward to welcoming invited guests to this week’s celebration and to sharing highlights from the day across our channels. For now, we invite you to reflect with us on the story of our founding - and the oak tree that helped shape a king’s destiny.