Chelsea Pensioners

As soon as Marilyn had left her bags at the Heathrow Hotel we made our way into London. As she is a keen lover of Art Deco our first stop was the Ritz in Piccadilly. I took her into the Palm Court where afternoon tea was taking place. Sitting at the side enjoying his tea was Gerry Palmer, a Chelsea Pensioner. I hadn't met Gerry before but I do know that the Chelsea pensioners like to chat so it wasn't long before we were entertained by stories of his life.

A Chelsea pensioner refers to a retired member of the British army who now lives at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Royal Hospital was founded in1682 by King Charles II to provide soldiers with a home in their retirement. If a retired soldier wishes to be considered for a place in the Royal Hospital he must  fulfil certain criteria such as
* having been a soldier or non-commissioned officer in the British Army
* be in receipt of an Army or War Disability pension
* be 65 years of age or older
* not have a spouse, partner or family to support
(Women have only  become residents at  the Royal Hospital since 2009).

Gerry's wife died in 2011 so he then applied for a place in the Hospital. He is now in his eighties and enjoys the life of the Chelsea Pensioner. He was at the Ritz as two pensioners are invited each week to have afternoon tea there as a bit of a treat.

The Pensioners can come and go as they please from the Royal Hospital and can wear civilian clothing. However around the Hospital and surrounding area they are expected to wear a blue uniform. When they travel further afield they are supposed to wear their scarlet uniform. The special three cornered hat is worn for ceremonial occasions.