News
Prince Harry visits Royal Hospital Chelsea to celebrate Founder's Day
9th June 2011
Prince Harry laughed and joked with pensioners today during a visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The Prince was visiting the hospital to celebrate its Founder's Day, and spent time touring the hospital meeting staff and pensioners.
The Prince, a British Army Captain who is training to become an Apache helicopter pilot, toured the institution's infirmary, meeting staff and residents before attending the celebrations which commemorated the opening of the hospital by King Charles II in 1682.
In a speech to mark the occasion, Prince Harry praised the residents for their
"extraordinary military service to our country".
He added: "The Royal hospital - this world famous place - represents all that is great about our country, beauty, tradition - and the wisdom that goes with that - selflessness and duty."
The Prince added: "I do have some experience of soldiering. The comradeship that comes with it is one of the things I treasure most in life. The Army, for me and thousands like me, is a family.
"In that respect, for veterans coming here, it must be like coming home. That is why this place matters, and always will."