News
HRH and Baroness Thatcher open a new infirmary at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
25th March 2009
The Prince of Wales and former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher opened an infirmary at the Royal Hospital Chelsea today.
The Margaret Thatcher Infirmary lies at the heart of the hospital, which is also home to the famous red-coated Chelsea Pensioners.
Dressed in a turquoise skirt suit, Lady Thatcher also unveiled a portrait of herself to mark the official opening of the building.
The ashes of the former Conservative Party leader's husband, Sir Denis, are buried at the cemetery in the hospital grounds.
Opening the multi-million pound infirmary, The Prince said: "This famous historic hospital is far more than a matter of bricks and mortar.
"It's the physical record of who our soldiers are and how they came to be. Indeed, the battle honours inscribed on the panel of the Great Hall tell the enduring story of the British Army.
"But it is the veteran soldiers who are the living embodiment of that story.
"It is therefore entirely appropriate that we should continue to provide a sanctuary for them. This building helps to achieve this in a wonderfully elegant way."
The hospital was founded by Charles II in 1682 for "the succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war".
Veterans with their distinctive red coats can still gain respite at the hospital if they are single and give their Army pensions to the Treasury in exchange for care until they die.
Earlier this month the hospital broke with tradition to allow two women to join the ranks of more than 300 veterans housed in the sprawling premises on the banks of the Thames.
The Prince toured the new infirmary and chatted to veterans working out in the new gym which boasts countless CDs of military marching music to help them keep to the beat while exercising.
He viewed new rooms in the hospital and chatted to Second World War veteran Albert Leach.
Mr Leach, 83, has lived at the centre for 11 years and fought as a Marine in Burma during the war.
He said: "I showed The Prince around my room and he seemed very enthusiastic.
"I've been here a long time and I love it. There's a lot of company and we are looked after very well."
Lady Thatcher curtsied as she met The Prince and the two shared smiles as they chatted.