Chelsea Pensioners

I've been following the BBC Two series about life at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. What a remarkable institution. Indeed it is regimented; though that suits the Pensioners, having served in our Armed Forces.

The officers wear mufti, lounge suits; and the Pensioners wear a uniform, the most conspicuous part of it being the scarlet tunic coupled with a tricorn hat. The Governor is usually a senior general; and his deputy a major-general.

The Royal Hospital is gradually moving with the times and now, in these days of equal opportunities, it has been felt that the doors ought to be opened to female Pensioners.

The very first lady Pensioners are arriving this week.