Leave a gift in your Will
Will you remember them?
Make a lasting difference to the Chelsea Pensioners with a gift in your Will
The Royal Hospital has provided care and companionship to the Chelsea Pensioners for over 330 years. We are determined to continue to honour our founder’s promise to care for old soldiers “broken by age and war” ever since. We depend on the generosity of our supporters to do so.
One of the most powerful ways you can help is by leaving a gift in your Will. By remembering the Chelsea Pensioners in this enduring way, you can provide today’s veterans – and generations to come – with the best quality of life, in return for their loyal service.
You will also be helping to safeguard their historic home, from Sir Christopher Wren’s Grade II listed buildings to our magnificent grounds.
Remembering the Royal Hospital in your Will is straightforward to do and will help ensure our proud tradition of caring for veterans continues for centuries to come.
"I’d like to think what I give will help the Chelsea Pensioners to enjoy the best quality of life after I’ve gone and that I’ll still be supporting something I care about. Not everyone can give their time, but leaving some money does as much, if not more, to help. I like to think I’ll be helping in a small way for future generations to enjoy their retirement here."
- Richard Bremer, volunteer and friend of the Royal Hospital
What a gift in your Will can achieve
You can help secure the future of our unique, historic community for generations to come with a gift in your Will.
Your generosity and foresight can have a positive impact in a range of enduring ways.
- Providing the Chelsea Pensioners with the best possible care and a rewarding,
companionable retirement. - Safeguarding our heritage buildings, designed by leading architects Sir Christopher Wren and Sir John Soane.
- Maintaining our 66 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens.
- Sharing our unrivalled expertise and the benefits the Chelsea Pensioners enjoy with the wider veteran community.
- Conserving our rare art and artefacts.
“I want the Royal Hospital to be here for a long time and hope the gift in my Will is used where most needed – for new buildings, or the upkeep of old ones, the grounds, the care of the Chelsea Pensioners.”
– Lynne Legrand-Perruchot, Governor's Circle member.
Live on through your legacy
Many people choose to remember a cause that matters to them in their Will. If the Royal Hospital and the Chelsea Pensioners are important to you, remembering us in this meaningful way means your values can live on and you’ll continue to make a positive impact.
“If you give when you’re alive and then again when you’re up with God, that money is still living. Although you’re not here, you’re still helping to keep this place going.”
- Connie, Chelsea Pensioner.
Write or update your Will for free
We’ve partnered with specialists Octopus Legacy to offer you the chance to write your Will for free either online, over the phone or in person. All Wills are checked by their expert legal team who will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
You’re under no obligation to remember the Royal Hospital in your Will, but any gift you do decide to leave – large or small – will make a wonderful difference.
If you live in England or Wales and want to make a simple Will. Click the button below to find out more or call <tbc> to organise a face-to-face meeting or phone call to write your Will.
Why an updated Will matters
Having an up-to-date Will brings you peace of mind. It ensures that your wishes will be carried out after you’re gone, making things simpler for those you leave behind. That’s why it’s important to update your Will if your circumstances change. A solicitor can help, or you can use our free Will-writing service.
We understand that your Will is a personal matter and most of us choose to remember those closest to them first. Once they’ve been taken into account, you may decide to leave a gift to a cause (or causes) that you care about. Because gifts like this may be more than you can afford in your lifetime they are particularly valuable to us, and knowing you intend to remember us allows us to plan ahead with confidence.
We’re here to help
We are here to help with any questions you may have. We understand that your Will is a personal matter and you can rest assured we will always respect your wishes. If you do decide to remember us, we will use your money wisely and effectively.
If you would like a confidential conversation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Legacy Team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Simply call 020 7881 5284 or email giftsinwills@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk to find out more.
“I was motivated to remember the Royal Hospital in my Will because I wanted to give back. I hope I can add to that chance for it to prosper. The Royal Hospital has been going for 300 years and hopefully it will go on for another 300 years.”
- Peter I Jones CBE. supporter
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions here:
How do I remember the Royal Hospital Chelsea in my Will?
Remembering us in your Will is straightforward and means you can make a lasting impact on our work. A solicitor will help you to draw up a Will, or amend an existing one, to include a gift to the Royal Hospital. By sharing your intentions, you can allow us to plan ahead with confidence.
What type of gift can I leave in my Will?
We are very grateful for any gift, large or small.
There are various ways you can remember us in your Will. This could be a residuary gift (what remains after you’ve remembered your family and friends), a set amount of money, or a specific gift (such as stocks and shares or an item of value).
Will a gift in my Will be subject to inheritance tax?
No. Inheritance tax doesn’t apply to charitable gifts, so every penny you leave would help support the Royal Hospital and the Chelsea Pensioners.
Can I choose how the Royal Hospital Chelsea will spend my legacy?
If you’d like your gift to be used for a particular purpose or project, we’d be happy to discuss this with you. However, we can also ensure your gift has the most impact by using it wherever the need is greatest.