Britain's What's On Event Guide
International Women's Day Photography Exhibition
Picturing the female Chelsea Pensioners
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is delighted to partner with photographer Jackie King to display a collection of never-before-seen photographs showing some of the 19 female Chelsea Pensioners who currently call the Royal Hospital their home.
Women were first admitted to the Royal Hospital Chelsea as Chelsea Pensioners in 2009, a full three hundred and seventeen years after the Hospital first opened its doors to Army veterans. Since 2009, many women have chosen to become part of the Royal Hospital community, donning their scarlet coats with pride. Yet today - seventeen years later - many people are still surprised when they meet a female Chelsea Pensioner.
Through her photos, Jackie King highlights the character of some of the female Chelsea Pensioners currently resident with us. Showcasing the individualism of each sitter, she shares their unique stories visually, while representing how embedded in the Royal Hospital community female Pensioners are today.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is delighted to partner with photographer Jackie King to display a collection of never-before-seen photographs showing some of the 19 female Chelsea Pensioners who currently call the Royal Hospital their home.
Women were first admitted to the Royal Hospital Chelsea as Chelsea Pensioners in 2009, a full three hundred and seventeen years after the Hospital first opened its doors to Army veterans. Since 2009, many women have chosen to become part of the Royal Hospital community, donning their scarlet coats with pride. Yet today - seventeen years later - many people are still surprised when they meet a female Chelsea Pensioner.
Through her photos, Jackie King highlights the character of some of the female Chelsea Pensioners currently resident with us. Showcasing the individualism of each sitter, she shares their unique stories visually, while representing how embedded in the Royal Hospital community female Pensioners are today.
Saturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Rd
London SW3 4SR
Dates: Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th MarchTimes: 10:00 - 16:30 (please note last entry will be at 16:00)
Location: The Soane Stable Yard (Entrance via Chelsea Gate)
Admission: Free - no booking required
Organised by
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Spread the word
Similar Current Events
Royal Hospital Chelsea Lecture Series - The Battle of the Tennis Court
Wednesday 25 February Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Wednesday 25 February Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
The Royal Hospital Chelsea Lecture Series - The Confrontation
Wednesday 25 March Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Wednesday 25 March Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Chelsea Flower Show 2026
Tue 19 May to Saturday 23 May 26 Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Tue 19 May to Saturday 23 May 26 Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
The Royal Hospital Chelsea Wellington Hall Museum Tour
Wed 4 Feb to Sunday 8 March Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road
Wed 4 Feb to Sunday 8 March Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road
Talk and Tour: Women’s Evolving Role in the British Army
Saturday 7 March Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Saturday 7 March Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Tour: The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War
Sunday 29 March Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Sunday 29 March Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Family Tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Saturday 4 April Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Saturday 4 April Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Governor’s Lecture Series: Can I Go Home Now?
Wednesday 8 April Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Wednesday 8 April Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Hands on History: Titanic Remembrance Day
Saturday 11 April and Sunday 12 April Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Saturday 11 April and Sunday 12 April Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Hands on History: Object Handling - World War II
Saturday 4 April and Sunday 5 April Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Saturday 4 April and Sunday 5 April Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Walking Tour: The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War
Sunday 26 April Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Sunday 26 April Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London