Royal Hospital Chelsea 2023

The King of the Belgians has spoken of hope for the future and the ‘power of love’ during his address at the traditional Founder’s Parade at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

King Philippe was guest of honour at the annual parade which marks the foundation of the institution for retired soldiers by King Charles II.

There is often a royal guest at Founder’s Day and in the first year of the reign of King Charles III, it was the Belgian king who attended with his wife, Queen Mathilde.

During his speech, King Philippe referred to the long military associations between the his country and the UK, and honoured the memory of those who were killed on Belgian soil, saying ‘‘I would like to pay tribute to all those valiant British soldiers who came to our rescue during the First World War, so many of whom rest in peace in Flanders Fields.”‘

With the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, also present, King Philippe addressed current co-operation in Ukraine, adding ”I would also like to spare a special thought for the Ukrainian soldiers who are heroically defending their country, at the cost of their lives. I am proud that together, in the name of respect for international law, both our nations are part of a coalition to help them succeed.”

And he ended by looking to a better future, sharing a quote from William Gladstone that has become a personal favourite. King Philippe said ‘‘We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.”  

The King of the Belgians also reviewed the parade of Chelsea Pensioners who were dressed in their famous scarlet coats.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde followed the lead of the Pensioners and observed a special English tradition associated with Founder’s Day. Both wore oak leaves, a custom that has its roots in a very public display of support for the Monarchy.

Oak leaves are worn by everyone at Founder’s Day. The annual parade falls close to Oak Apple Day, May 29th, the birthday of King Charles II and the day that the Monarchy was restored in England in 1660 under his rule, following the eleven year Interregnum. For centuries, people across England used to wear oak leaves on that date to show their support for the Monarchy and in reference to the oak tree that Charles II hid in after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Its branches kept him safe from capture and he was able to flee into exile where he rebuilt support before returning as king in 1660.

The King and Queen of the Belgians were welcomed to the Royal Hospital Chelsea by its Governor,  General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL. They met many of the pensioners living at the Royal Hospital and were also shown the gilded statue of King Charles II which, as is traditional, was decked with oak leaves for Founder’s Day.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde later met King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.

In the coming month, the King of the Belgians will mark ten years since his accession. He took the throne on July 21st 2013.