Camilla Duchess of Cornwall goes on parade brimming with pride
THE DUCHESS of Cornwall spoke of her pride yesterday when she inspected red-coated Chelsea Pensioners at their annual Founder’s Day parade.
Camilla, whose late father Major Bruce Shand won the Military Cross and Bar during the withdrawal from Dunkirk in 1940 and in North Africa in 1942, praised the old soldiers at the Royal Chelsea Hospital in London for their service to the nation.
She said: “As the proud daughter of a highly decorated soldier, I am honoured to be here today to review the parade at this very special event.
“Three hundred and thirty-one years ago, this institution was opened to be a home to old or disabled soldiers, but surveying your resplendent scarlet ranks I can only see soldiers.”
At the hospital, founded in 1682 by Charles II, Camilla delighted one veteran in particular. Invited into 94-year-old John Ley’s room, she handed over a bottle of Highgrove Gin.
She told him: “I’ve brought you a little present. A little bird told me you like it very much.”
Mr Ley, who met Prince Harry two years ago on Founder’s Day, replied: “I shall certainly do it justice.”