Ceremony of the Christmas Cake
Festivities continued this week at the Royal Hospital Chelsea as we celebrated the annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cake – now in its 75th year.
A much-loved festive tradition dating back to 1949, the Christmas Cake Ceremony celebrates the enduring friendship between the UK and Australia. This year, the cake was donated by the State of Victoria, and we were joined by Agent-General for Victoria, Tim Dillon to present the cake.
Guests were welcomed into the Great Hall by the sound of musicians from the Welsh Guard before the Governor of the Royal Hospital, Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL, introduced the ceremony.
Every year, the cake is cut with a ceremonial sword by a Chelsea Pensioner. This year Chelsea Pensioner, Ivor Williams, was selected to cut the cake. Ivor joined the British Army in 1949 and badged to the Welsh Guards. He saw service in Egypt, Germany and the UK. Following his Army service, Ivor emigrated to Australia and joined the Commonwealth Police. He then served with the Australian Federal Police in which he served at Maralinga Southern Australia in 1963.
The cake is divided up and shared amongst the Chelsea Pensioners to enjoy over the festive period and this year they also received a generous donation of the famous Victoria Bitter to enjoy alongside.