Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses under COVID restrictions

9th December 2020

The Royal Hospital Chelsea has been celebrating the Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses ever since the first Chelsea Pensioners arrived back in 1692. It's a tradition that spans over three centuries!

Despite the global pandemic, the Royal Hospital was determined to continue with this time-honoured tradition in 2020. With the support of Dairy UK, the Chelsea Pensioners enjoyed a socially-distanced cheese ceremony earlier this month.

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Chelsea Pensioner, Tony, holds a large canvas he has painted of two Navy battleships at sea
The Healing Power of Art: Chelsea Pensioner, Tony, shares how art has helped him in later life and how the Royal Hospital is expanding art in the community

Since joining the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 2021, Tony has discovered a new passion – art. He shared more on how this creative outlet has benefitted his wellbeing. 

Guest veterans join the Chelsea Pensioners for a summer picnic in Ranelagh Gardens

Yesterday, we welcomed over 100 guests from the Armed Forces community to the Royal Hospital Chelsea for our Chelsea Pensioners Veterans’ Outreach picnic.