The Duchess of Edinburgh opened the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Veterans Centre at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Sophie opened the new centre on 13 April, which will provide “a welcoming space for veterans,” according to the hospital.
Buckingham Palace said the veterans will be able to “socialise, stay active and build friendships” at the location.
The Duchess of Edinburgh also received a tour of the centre in the restored Soane Stable Yard and spoke to some of the Chelsea Pensioners who provide tours of the hospital. In addition, she met some who benefit from the Chelsea Pensioner Veterans Outreach Programme.
Regarding the programme, the hospital said, “The Veterans Outreach Programme reflects the Royal Hospital’s long-standing commitment to caring for those who have served, ensuring that no veteran faces isolation alone. Through weekly drop ins and a growing programme of activities, we aim to provide a warm, inclusive space where veterans can find friendship, purpose and support. At the heart of this project is a simple commitment: to ensure that those who have served remain connected, supported and never forgotten.”
The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Veterans Centre, which will host weekly drop-in sessions between 10:00 and 12:30 every Thursday, was opened a week before what would have been the 100th birthday of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Members of the Royal Family are expected to mark the 100th anniversary of her birth on 20 and 21 April.
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