The Queen attends Founder's Day at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

The Queen has attended Founder's Day at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, where she met Chelsea Pensioners and staff. 

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is home to the Chelsea Pensioners, retired soldiers of the British Army. 

Founder’s Day honours the vision of King Charles II, who established the Royal Hospital in 1682 as a refuge for soldiers “broken by age or war.” 

The parade is held as close as possible to 29 May, King Charles II’s birthday and the date he famously evaded capture after the Battle of Worcester by hiding in an oak tree.

Ahead of the Parade, in the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary, Her Majesty met resident Chelsea Pensioners who were unable to attend the Parade, together with their medical and care staff.

The Queen then joined the Founder's Day parade in Figure Court, accompanied by the Reviewing Officer's Party.

On the dais, The Queen watched the Parade and, following a salute, conducted an inspection of the troops as Reviewing Officer.

Addressing the Pensioners and their guests, The Queen said:

King Charles II established this beautiful site over 300 years ago as “a place of refuge and shelter".  I know from my previous visits here that that is still the case.  You offer care, camaraderie and community to those men and women who have served our nation, while always upholding the highest of standards.  

Read The Queen's Founder's Day speech here. 

The Ceremony concluded with 'Three Cheers' and the National Anthem.