In tribute to her late mother-in-law, Elizabeth II, The Duchess of Edinburgh has formally opened the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Veterans Centre at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The centre – located within the restored Soane Stable Yard – has been created as a dedicated space for veterans to reconnect, stay active and rebuild the bonds of comradeship that are often lost after service.
During the visit, Sophie met veterans who attend the Hospital’s Veterans Outreach Programme, which features a weekly drop in session, as well as Chelsea Pensioners who continue to support fellow servicemen and women through the Outreach programme.
The Veterans Outreach Programme reflects the Royal Hospital’s long-standing commitment to caring for those who have served, ensuring that no veteran faces isolation alone.
Founded in 1682 by Charles II, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is ‘as a place of refuge and shelter for such Land Soldiers as are or shall be old, lame or infirm in the service of the Crown’, acting as a retirement home and nursing home for British Army veterans.
Today, through drop in sessions and a range of activities, it aims to provide a warm, inclusive space where veterans can find friendship, purpose and support.
The Duchess of Edinburgh also spent time with a number of Chelsea Pensioners who lead public tours of the Royal Hospital, and spoke with them about their role in sharing the history of the site and supporting its future through fundraising.
During her lifetime, the late Queen was known to have a close relationship with Sophie, both sharing an interest in military history.
Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL, said: ‘It was an honour to be joined by Her Royal Highness today to celebrate the official opening of The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Veterans Centre.
‘It is important to leverage the influence and reputation of the Royal Hospital Chelsea to provide direct support to veterans, particularly the elderly, living outside our Chelsea home. Our new facility ensures vital support is given to veterans from all three Services and the Merchant Navy and is part of our commitment to combating social isolation and loneliness in the veteran community’.
The Royal Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, David Richmond CBE, added: ‘We are hugely grateful for the support of Her Royal Highness in highlighting the importance of supporting the veteran community. There is a real need to ensure older veterans remain connected and supported. This new centre allows us to build on our long-standing commitment to those who have served.’
Sophie’s engagement is just one of a swathe of engagements that will mark the legacy of Elizabeth II, and what would have been her 100th birthday next week. Members of the Royal Family are set to undertake engagements to mark the centenary of the late Queen’s birth, including viewing the designs for the memorial in St James’s Park.
Royal Mail have also recently announced a special set of commemorative stamps marking the anniversary, whilst the Royal Collection Trust are showcasing the late Queen’s wardrobe and changing tastes in a new exhibition at The King’s Gallery.
