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  "path": "/royal/queen-camilla-king-charles-ii-royal-family-news",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-04T12:19:52.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nQueen Camilla served as Reviewing Officer at the annual Founder's Day celebrations held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.\n\nUpon reaching Cadogan Court, the Governor and Lady Bradshaw welcomed the Queen to the historic site.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBefore joining the main parade, Camilla made her way to the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary, where she spent time with Chelsea Pensioners whose health prevented them from participating in the outdoor ceremony, along with the medical professionals and carers who look after them.\n\nThe Queen observed the Founder's Day parade, making her entrance through the Octagon doors.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nTaking her position on the dais, Camilla received a Royal Salute before carrying out her inspection duties and observing the March Past and Royal Hospital Collect.\n\nQueen Camilla delivered an address acknowledging that King Charles II had founded the site more than three centuries ago as \"a place of refuge and shelter,\" noting from her own visits that this purpose endures today.\n\nThe Queen revealed she had gleaned some insider knowledge from \"off-the-record\" conversations with residents, including tales of \"secretive gin bars, port associations and the feeding of foxes, done at night to dodge the Quartermaster.\"\n\nShe also praised the veterans' mastery of the \"gentlemanly stroll\" — which she defined as meaning \"I am not rushing for anyone, even the Governor.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe annual parade commemorates the vision of King Charles II, who founded the Royal Hospital in 1682 to provide sanctuary for soldiers \"broken by age or war.\"\n\nTraditionally held around 29 May, the date marks both the monarch's birthday and his legendary escape following the Battle of Worcester, when he evaded capture by concealing himself in an oak tree.\n\nThis historic moment is honoured through a distinctive tradition: every Pensioner taking part in the parade adorns their uniform with oak leaves.\n\nThe statue of King Charles II standing in Figure Court receives special treatment each year as part of the commemorative festivities.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nFor this year's celebration, the monument has been surrounded by young potted oak trees, adding a fresh element to the centuries-old custom.\n\nThe ceremony concluded with three cheers and the National Anthem, after which Her Majesty visited the Wren Chapel to sign the visitor's book.\n\nThe Royal Hospital Chelsea has served as the permanent home for Chelsea Pensioners — retired British Army soldiers — since 1692.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSpanning 66 acres in central London, the institution operates both as a national landmark and a registered charity.\n\nBeyond caring for its resident veterans, the Royal Hospital runs a Veterans Outreach programme designed to support former service personnel in the wider community.\n\nThe site welcomes members of the public through various initiatives, including tours led by the Pensioners themselves and events staged at the Soane Stable Yard.\n\nThese activities allow visitors to connect with the history and heritage of the institution whilst contributing to the welfare of those who have served in the Armed Forces.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Queen Camilla pays tribute to King Charles II during speech at Royal Hospital Chelsea"
}