The Duchess of Gloucester hosts the Not Forgotten Association Christmas Tea Party

Founded in 1920 ‘for the comfort, cheer and entertainment’ of servicemen injured in the Great War, the Not Forgotten Association remains true to its original principles; providing recreation, leisure and entertainment to serving personnel who are wounded, injured or sick and to veterans of all ages with a disability or illness.

Every year some 10,000 men and women benefit from a unique and full programme of events and activities each of which is intended to restore confidence, boost morale and improve the chances of the individual and their family enjoying a normal, if not better, life.   

The charity was founded by Marta Cunningham and has been long supported by The Royal Family – the first Royal Patron was Princess Mary and the current Patron is The Princess Royal.

On arrival The Duchess of Gloucester was met by the Senior President of the Association, Admiral of The Fleet, Sir Benjamin Bathurst.

Her Royal Highness then met a number of guests who have been supported by the Association.

The Christmas Party enables The Not Forgotten Association to invite some 300 beneficiaries, carers and supporters to enjoy a unique opportunity which fosters friendships and raises the spirits of all those who attend.

Guests get the chance to enjoy some traditional afternoon tea, as well as being entertained by singers, magicians, caricaturists, baloonists, silhouettists, a military quintet an the band of the Irish Guards.

The Duchess was presented with posy by Catherine Braddick-Hughes who has been serving with the Adjutant General's Corps GC since 1997. Catherine suffered an injury to her right shoulder caused by a rifle recoil and has lower back and right ankle ligament damage.

The Not Forgotten Association supported 9,797 individuals in 2016/17, many of whom also attended the annual Buckingham Palace Garden Party, which this year was attended by Prince Harry.