Programme for Founder's Day, Royal Hospital Chelsea, 8 June 2000

Founder's Day is an annual celebration held as close as possible to 29 May. This is the birthday of King Charles II who established the Royal Hospital in 1681 to care for old and injured soldiers. 29 May was also the date of his restoration in 1660.

Founder's Day is also known as Oak Apple Day as it commemorates Charles's escape following his defeat at Worcester in 1651, when he hid in an oak tree to avoid capture by Parliamentarians.

Since 1681 the Hospital has been closely linked to the monarchy and every Founder's Day the Pensioners are reviewed by a member of the Royal Family.