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
Talk: Operation Postmaster: Delivering the True Story
Wednesday 19 August Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Wednesday 19 August Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Longines Global Champions Tour
Fri 7 Aug to Sunday 9 August Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Fri 7 Aug to Sunday 9 August Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Summer concert: the Chelsea Pensioner Singers
Saturday 4 July Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Saturday 4 July Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
British Sign Language tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Saturday 4 July Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Saturday 4 July Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London