Pensioners' Drumhead Service for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
13th September 2022
Today Chelsea Pensioners and Royal Hospital staff attended a Drumhead Service of Remembrance for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The traditional Drumhead Service is conducted by Regimental Padres whilst on deployment or on the battlefield around an altar of Regimental drums, providing soldiers a place for reflection and remembrance of their fallen comrades. Every year, the Royal Hospital conducts its own Drumhead Service for Remembrance Day.
The Queen has a special place in the hearts of the Chelsea Pensioners, all of whom are immensely proud to have served in her honour in the British Army and were deeply saddened to hear the news of her death. The Drumhead Service held today was an important moment of mourning and reflection for the Chelsea Pensioners.
The Reverend Steven Brookes, Royal Hospital Chaplain and Deputy Priest in Ordinary to Her late Majesty, led the service in front of an altar of drums draped in the flag of the Royal Hospital in the iconic Figure Court.
The Last Post bugle call commenced the ceremony, followed by a 1-minute silence and The Reveille. There were hymns sung by the Royal Hospital Choir and readings by Chelsea Pensioners Anne Phipps, Ted Fell and Alan Gill BEM followed by Royal Hospital staff member (and QARANC veteran) Terri Pitts.
The service concluded with the Chelsea Pensioners singing God Save The King.
