Oxfordshire six-year-old invited to meet Chelsea Pensioners

Malaika Bell, whose dad serves in the Royal Air Force at RAF Brize Norton, was one of 15 military children invited to the event.

It was arranged by the charity Little Troopers, which offers support to children whose parents serve in the armed forces, and Royal Hospital Chelsea.

The children and pensioners shared stories of military life and gained an understanding of each other’s unique experiences living in the armed forces community.

The Chelsea Pensioners meet military children (Image: Little Troopers)

After touring the hospital grounds, they decorated mini pensioners’ tricorne hats and painted dandelions, the official flower of the military child.

These children often face unique challenges including frequent house and school moves, as well as regular periods of separation from their serving parent.

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said: "This event was about bringing together two completely different generations who both have a connection to the armed forces and were interested in learning more about each other’s lives and experiences.

"We’ve had children travel from all over the country to attend and we’d like to thank the Royal Hospital for helping to facilitate such a special event that these little troopers will remember fondly forever."

Malaika added: "My favourite thing was going in the church. I also made a tricorne hat and added lots of gems."

The young military children met with the pensioners as part of the hospital's Soane Stable Yard redevelopment project.

The project will showcase the heritage of the Royal Hospital Chelsea with a purpose-built Chelsea Pensioner Museum which will open to the public in October.

It will also feature a dedicated space for veterans’ outreach, a cafe and a post office.

The Royal Hospital was founded nearly 330 years ago by King Charles II to offer care and comradeship to British Army veterans in recognition of their loyal service.

Nearly 300 pensioners now live at the hospital, which supports veterans over the age of 66 who are facing spending their later years alone.

Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, said: "Bringing Chelsea Pensioners and children from military families together to learn about the history of this institution and to share experiences will both help the young to put their lives into the context of the past, and reveal powerful social connections which bridge different generations of the military family.

"The children will leave today with a better understanding of the value we must place on veteran care and will hopefully carry this with them into their future."