Home / Lifestyle / Royal Hospital Chelsea's Cheesy Christmas Tradition
Royal Hospital Chelsea's Cheesy Christmas Tradition
24 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Pensioners celebrate centuries-old cheese ceremony with farmers.
- Ceremony dates back to King Charles II's commission.
- Government proposes inheritance tax changes for farm businesses.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea recently hosted its historic Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses, a cherished tradition where farmers and dairy processors present cheeses for the Chelsea Pensioners' Christmas celebrations. This event traces its origins to the late 1600s, when King Charles II commissioned a sanctuary for soldiers and requested seasonal cheese donations.
Present at the ceremony were the Hospital's Governor, dairy farmers, and several pensioners, including Andy Kay, who traditionally slices a massive 25kg Montgomery cheddar with a ceremonial sword. The event highlights a unique connection between agricultural producers and the veterans.
In addition to the festive proceedings, the report also addresses current government proposals concerning inheritance tax specifically for farm businesses. This adds a layer of contemporary relevance to the historical gathering.
