Attending Founder’s Day at the Royal Hospital Chelsea 

I am truly honoured to have been invited to attend Founder’s Day 2025 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea – one of the most cherished and historic commemorations in the Armed Forces calendar. 

As I look ahead to this iconic event, I find myself reflecting on the legacy it represents and the extraordinary people it celebrates. 

A Celebration Rooted in Service and Tradition 

Each year, Founder’s Day marks the anniversary of the Royal Hospital’s founding by King Charles II in 1682. More than three centuries on, the occasion remains a powerful reminder of our enduring respect for those who have served our nation with honour. 

The ceremony is steeped in tradition. Pensioners of the Royal Hospital, in their distinctive scarlet uniforms, wear oak leaves in remembrance of the King’s escape following the Battle of Worcester, when he hid in an oak tree. That simple symbol of survival and loyalty resonates deeply with the values of service, perseverance, and sacrifice that define our veteran community. 

A Personal Privilege 

Being invited to attend this year’s Founder’s Day is both humbling and significant for me, especially as someone who has dedicated much of my career to championing the Armed Forces community. Through my work with X-Forces Enterprise I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside countless veterans and service leavers as they carve out new futures in business and enterprise. Now, as CEO of the Soldiering On Awards, I have been enormously  inspired by the extraordinary achievements of those who have dedicated their lives to defending our country and way of life. 

To stand among the Chelsea Pensioners, some of whom served in conflicts stretching back decades, is a rare opportunity to connect with living history, and to express, in person, my ongoing gratitude. 

Looking to the Future 

While Founder’s Day is rooted in heritage, it also prompts reflection on what we do today to support our Armed Forces family. Veterans have so much to offer society, not just as heroes of the past, but as leaders, entrepreneurs, mentors, and change-makers. 

As we prepare to mark this special day in 2025, I am reminded that tradition is not only about looking backwards, it’s about carrying forward the values that matter. Service. Community. Resilience. Legacy. These are the values I see every day in the veterans we work with, and the very same values that will be honoured at the Royal Hospital this Founder’s Day. 

With Gratitude 

A huge thank you to David Richmond and  his team for the invitation. I’m delighted that I am able to bring two ‘plus ones’ in Julie Baker and Diane Cote. Diane’s generosity in hosting the Chelsea Pensioners at Soldiering On Awards Night is truly wonderful and theirs is always the most fun table! 

To the Royal Hospital Chelsea, to the staff and the Chelsea Pensioners, thank you for your continued service and for keeping this remarkable tradition alive. I look forward to joining you for what promises to be a moving and memorable day. 

For a glimpse of the 2024 Founder’s Day celebrations, you can watch this lovely video.