The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea to attend its annual Founders Day. It was the first time Edward attended as Reviewing Officer, in returning to the Royal Hospital for the first time since 2017.
Prince Edward was dressed in a ceremonial military uniform tied to his role as Colonel of the London Regiment.
The annual event is a staple in the hospital’s calendar, attended by all the Chelsea Pensioners, to celebrate the founding of the hospital by Charles II. The event has taken place almost every year since its opening in 1692 as a veterans’ retirement and nursing home, and it is tradition the Pensioners are reviewed by a member of the Royal Family.
Addressing the Chelsea Pensioners and their families, Edward said: ‘His Majesty has asked me to convey his best wishes to you all on this day, and thank you for your service to the country.’
He continued by paying tribute to those Second World War Veterans on Parade and marked the important anniversaries of several major events in 2025, stating, ‘we recently recalled the events of 80 years ago on VE Day and we will remember the 80th anniversary of VJ Day in August. Before the parade, I was delighted to be able to meet 3 Chelsea Pensioners who served in those days’.
Each year for Founder’s Day, Chelsea Pensioners gather in the Hospital’s Figure Court, dressed in their scarlet coats adorned with oak leaves. The annual day is also known as Oak Apple Day, in which the oak leaves symbolises the famous tale of Charles II’s escape after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, when he hid in an oak tree to evade capture in Shropshire.
The renowned gold statue of King Charles II is decorated with oak leaves alongside the Chelsea Pensioners uniform as a tribute to the tale.
