The Duke of Sussex visits Chelsea Pensioners on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day

The Duke of Sussex has today visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day to review the Chelsea Pensioners at the annual Founder’s Day Parade.

Six veterans from the Normandy landings took part in the Parade which commemorates King Charles II’s founding of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 1681.

Over 300 Army veterans live at the Royal Hospital today, including those who have served in Korea, the Falkland Islands, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and World War II.

Upon arrival The Duke met Chelsea Pensioners and found out more about the activities and programmes run by the Royal Hospital.

Now I stand here before you to not only acknowledge the incredible contribution you have made to this nation but to acknowledge that you, my friends, are also seriously good fun to be around!

The Duke of Sussex

His Royal Highness also talked about those on parade today saying: “I can only say that you are a constant reminder of the great debt we owe those who have served this nation.” 

Read the full speech here. 

His Royal Highness then “reviewed” the Chelsea Pensioners, which is a term for when troops are inspected as they go on military Parade.

Today marks the day, 75 years ago, one of the largest military operations in history took place. It included over 5,000 vessels and ships, nearly 11,000 planes and over 130,000 ground troops.

Find out more about the day here.