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As the royal family gears up to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s birth next week, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh stepped out to open a new center for veterans named for the late monarch at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Veterans Centre will provide a “welcoming space for veterans to socialise, stay active and rebuild the bonds of comradeship often lost post-service,” according to the hospital. During her outing, the Duchess of Edinburgh toured the new building, located in the restored Soane Stable Yard. The Royal Hospital Chelsea (RHC), founded by King Charles II in 1682 “as a place of refuge and shelter for such Land Soldiers as are or shall be old, lame or infirm in the service of the Crown,” is a retirement home and nursing home for British Army veterans; residents of the RHC are known as Chelsea Pensioners.
The Duchess of Edinburgh also “spent time with Chelsea Pensioners who lead public tours of the Royal Hospital, speaking with them about their role in sharing the history of the site and supporting its future through fundraising and engagement,” per the RHC.
Royal Chelsea Hospital
The Duchess meets with pensioners.
For the day, she wore a navy silk shirtdress from Gabriela Hearst, accessorizing with earrings from Giulia Barela Jewelry and carrying a clutch from Sophie Habsburg.
“We are hugely grateful for the support of Her Royal Highness in highlighting the importance of supporting the veteran community,” said The Royal Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, David Richmond CBE. “There is a real need to ensure older veterans remain connected and supported. This new centre allows us to build on our long-standing commitment to those who have served.”
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Deputy Digital Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.