Become a Supporter
Join a supporter scheme
When you join one of our exclusive supporter schemes you’ll not only make a lasting, positive impact on the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the lives of the Chelsea Pensioners, you’ll also enjoy a closer relationship with our community.
By supporting the Royal Hospital in this way, you will be helping us raise funds to continue providing the very best care for the Chelsea Pensioners and to maintain our heritage site for future generations.
Become a member of the Royal Hospital Chelsea today and you can look forward to a year’s programme of events with friends and family at one of the capital’s most iconic sites.
"A visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea is an essential part of any trip to London. A true haven and always a delight. So happy to support such a worthwhile cause."
Gordon, Friend of the Royal Hospital
Become a Friend
As a Friend, you will have a key role supporting the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Chelsea Pensioners. Your membership will make a vital contribution to all we do, while providing you with a range of exclusive benefits.
- Governor’s Review – an invitation to this traditional ceremony in honour of our founder, King Charles II. This highlight of the Royal Hospital calendar is followed by privileged access to a drinks reception in the Governor’s marquee for you and up to five guests.
- Governor’s lectures – priority booking for this programme of monthly talks by diverse speakers on a range of fascinating topics.
- Home Front – our supporter magazine, packed with fascinating articles about the Royal Hospital, past and present, profiles of Chelsea Pensioners and much more.
- Invitations to exclusive events – be a part of Royal Hospital life with a range of opportunities including our magical Christmas carol concert and open days to give you advance insights into developments at the Royal Hospital.
- Chelsea Pensioner tours – discover more about our historic site with two annual tours for members and guests, under the guidance of one of our veteran residents.
- Discounted access to major events – enjoy wonderful local events, such as the Chelsea History Festival, at a special price.
"As a former soldier I know how important it is to look after those who have served and need to be looked after in times of need."
Brian, Friend of the Royal Hospital
Annual membership prices*
| Membership | Price |
|---|---|
| Friend – Single (1 adult) | £40 |
| Friend – Partner (2 adults) | £50 |
*Please note that Royal Hospital Chelsea Appeal Ltd does not claim Gift Aid on Friends membership subscriptions
If you would like further information about becoming a Friend, please call our Membership & Events Officer on 020 7881 5323 or email supporters@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk.
To join today and make a lasting difference, please select one of the options below:
Join the Governor's Circle
Our Governor's Circle members play a key role in supporting our unique veteran community and safeguarding the exceptional care and comradeship the Royal Hospital offers for future generations of Chelsea Pensioners.
Join the Governor’s Circle and enjoy closer involvement with the Royal Hospital and the wider military community, as well as exclusive access to our leadership and events programme.
Governor’s Circle members enjoy the following benefits:
- Special access to The Sloane Club, a private members’ club close to the Royal Hospital. Details of entry provided upon joining.
- Invitations to exclusive events at the Royal Hospital.
- An annual subscription to Home Front, our supporter magazine.
- An invitation and the opportunity to bring a guest to the annual Governor’s Review, to see the Chelsea Pensioners on parade in their iconic scarlet tunics.
As a member you will also be welcomed to three very special occasions in the Royal Hospital's calendar:
- Founder’s Day
Each summer, our prestigious Founder's Day parade commemorates King Charles II, who established the Royal Hospital in 1692. The event is attended by a Royal guest, who inspects the Chelsea Pensioners and delivers a speech.
- The RHS Chelsea Flower Show
This sought-after invitation entitles the member and a guest to a reception and private view of this world-famous celebration of horticulture and highlight of the London social calendar. Partner members may request three passes (i.e. both members plus guest).
- Gala Dinner
At this exclusive annual event a member and guest will a champagne reception and three-course fine dining experience in the Royal Hospital’s historic Great Hall alongside dignitaries and Chelsea Pensioners. Partner members are invited to bring two guests.
"It's a privilege for my wife and I to have been members of the Governor's Circle for quite a few years. We believe that it's important for as many people as possible to support the Royal Hospital and its impressive commitment to look after the army veterans, as they become older and need support and comradeship. We're very conscious that these veterans have been prepared to sacrifice their lives for us. Many of them have seen active service, going back to World War II. It's the least we can do to support them and future generations of veterans as they become older."
To join our Governor’s Circle today and make a lasting difference, please select one of the options below:
- Pay by annual Direct Debit
- Complete a membership enquiry form online
- Download a membership form
If you would like to pay by CAF Voucher, please contact our Philanthropy Officer by calling 020 7881 5284 or emailing supporters@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
Annual membership prices
| Membership | Price |
|---|---|
| Governor’s Circle – Single (1 adult) | £1,200 |
| Governor’s Circle – Partner (2 adults) | £1,750 |
For more information about becoming a member of the Governor’s Circle, please call 020 7881 5284 or email supporters@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk.
Making the most of your support
| Membership | Value of benefits (‘VATable’) | Value of donation |
|---|---|---|
| Governor’s Circle single (1 adult) | £750 | £450 |
| Governor’s Circle partner (2 adults) | £1,000 | £750 |
Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer, for every £1 you donate, we can claim 25p in addition from HM Revenue and Customs at no extra cost to you. If you’re a higher rate taxpayer, you can claim higher rate tax relief through your self-assessment return. Please sign the Gift Aid section of the application form and help us to make the most of your donation.
Become a Patron
As a Patron, you will be part of an elite philanthropic group supporting the Royal Hospital’s longer-term ambitions. Patrons play a part in shaping our future direction and gain exclusive access to the military heritage and leadership of our iconic institution.
Privileged access to bespoke events
Our Patrons enjoy privileged access to behind-the-scenes life at the Royal Hospital, with invitations to attend a range of exclusive events each year including:
- VIP tickets to the prestigious Founder’s Day parade and a private reception, attended by key military figures and special guests of the Royal Hospital.
- Privileged access to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with a reception in the State Apartments, hosted by the Governor, and a private preview of the gardens.
- Attendance at our annual Gala Dinner, hosted by the Governor with special guest speakers.
- Afternoon tea with the Chelsea Pensioners, hosted by the Governor and the Captains who oversee the Pensioners’ welfare.
- A private lunch in the State Apartments, hosted by the Governor, where you will be one of the first to hear about our future plans and developments.
A host of benefits, all year round
Patrons also receive a range of benefits throughout the year:
- Special access to The Sloane Club – a private members’ club in Chelsea.
- Home Front supporter magazine – packed with fascinating articles about the Royal Hospital, past and present, profiles of Chelsea Pensioners and much more.
- Invitations to exclusive events – be a part of Royal Hospital life with a range of opportunities including reserved seating at the magical Christmas Carol Concert and Open Days to give you advance insights into developments at the Royal Hospital.
- Governor’s lectures – priority booking for this programme of monthly talks by diverse speakers on a range of fascinating topics.
- Chelsea Pensioner tours – discover more about our historic site with two annual tours for members and guests, under the guidance of a Chelsea Pensioner.
- Discounted access to major events – experience wonderful local events, such as the Chelsea History festival, at a special price.
Acknowledging your contribution
Patrons will also have the option to be acknowledged on our website and in our annual reports and to direct the donation element of their membership to a specific area of our work, in discussion with our membership team.
Annual membership to our Patrons scheme costs £5,000. To find our more, or to become a Patron, please call 020 7881 5284 or email supporters@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk. The team will be happy to organise an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the Royal Hospital for you.
Making the most of your support
Gift Aid regulations require us to declare the commercial value of the benefits we offer our members. Part of your payment will be treated as a subscription for membership benefits and the remainder treated as a donation to the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
| Membership | Value of benefits (‘VATable’) | Value of donation |
|---|---|---|
| Patron | £1,450 | £3,550 |
Make your support go further with Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer, for every £1 you donate, we can claim an additional 25p from HM Revenue and Customs, at no extra cost to you. If you’re a higher rate taxpayer, you can claim higher rate tax relief through your self-assessment return. Please sign the Gift Aid section of the application form and help us to make the most of your donation.