Queen's royal hospital visit

Jun 8, 2006, 15:23 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is to visit a London hospital today (08.06.06).

The monarch will be accompanied by her husband - The Duke of Edinburgh - when she visits the Royal Hospital Chelsea to celebrate Founder's Day.

The memorial occasion - also known as Oak Apple Day - marks national commemoration of the life of Britain's late King Charles II.

In 1682, the late monarch founded Royal Hospital Chelsea, to provide shelter for retired soldiers.

Today, Founders Day is celebrated to mark the king's birthday.

The occasion also recalls his historic escape from Scottish troops during the battle of Worcester in 1951, when he hid in an oak tree - therefore giving the big day its unofficial name.

According to www.royalist.co.uk, this year's Founder's Day parade will be lead by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.

At the event, Elizabeth II and the Duke will be saluted by retired troops, who will gather to honour the hospital and the late warrior king.

With the average age of 80, the retired servicemen will remain seated through the parade, clothed in their signature scarlet coats and tricorn hats.

By tradition, the able-bodied will then march past the monarch and salute her with the hand furthest away from her.

This custom dates back to Middle Ages, when a knight would salute his master by raising the visor of his helmet - to reveal his identity - with the hand that would not conceal his face.

As part of the celebration, a bronze statue of Charles II - which stands in the south court of the hospital - will be decked with oak branches.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea has remained practically unchanged since it was founded, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in London.

Today it houses up to 400 retired soldiers, which are known worldwide by the name of Chelsea Pensioners.

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