Chelsea Hospital Founders Day

Where: London at Chelsea Hospital
When: Early June (often a Thursday)
Time: 10am

 

Founders Day at Chelsea Hospital is held in early June each year to commemorate King Charles II, who founded the hospital in the seventeenth century as a residential retirement home for old soldiers. Charles II’s birthday and his Restoration both fell on May 29th; the Parade used to be held annually on this date but has now moved to a variable date in early June. The Chelsea Pensioners will be wearing their distinctive red coats and royalty will be present – only invited guests may attend.

Helpful Hints

Attendance is by invitation only so you can’t just turn up – but members of the Friends of the Royal Hospital are welcome to attend the rehearsal which is just the same except for the visiting dignitaries – follow the links below to join the Friends.

In 2024 Founders Day was celebrated on Thursday June 8th- 2024 date is yet to be confirmed but likely to be 6th.

Click here for the website : http://www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk

and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalHospitalChelsea/

Photo by Charlie Dave.

View this location on the map.