The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, makes first royal visit to The Hospital of Sir John Hawkins in Chatham High Street
Alex Langridge | alangridge@thekmgroup.co.uk |Published: 11:51, 01 May 2026 | Additional reporting by Finn Macdiarmid
Princess Anne made her first royal visit to a Kent military veterans’ almshouse, which she has been the patron of for a year.
The Princess Royal attended a flag-raising ceremony at The Hospital of Sir John Hawkins in Chatham High Street yesterday morning (April 30).
It came as the Royal Navy granted permission for the almshouse, which provides accommodation for around 10 veterans, to fly its official flag, the White Ensign.
Only a select few sites in the country have permission to fly the historic flag, which symbolises naval authority and sovereignty.
Chairman of the governors at the hospital, Lieutenant Commander Stephen Small, said it was a “very special occasion” for the charity, made even more so by Princess Anne’s visit.
Princess Anne visited The Hospital of Sir John Hawkins in Chatham High Street. Picture: Finn Macdiarmid
He added: “It is a great opportunity for us to share the heritage of the hospital and to show it off, because we are really one of the best kept secrets of the Medway Towns.
“To maintain that connection with the fleet and the Towns is so important because there is so much history tied up in Medway, which revolves around the Royal Navy.
Chatham veterans Hospital hosted the crown princess
“It has been an absolute privilege to have the Princess Royal visit for the first time since she became the Royal Patron a year ago.
“For the young cadets, that is going to be the highlight of their period with the cadet corps and they will remember that for the rest of their lives.”
Dignitaries from the Royal Naval Association, as well as figures from across Medway, also welcomed Princess Anne on her visit.
Mayor of Medway Cllr Trevor Clarke said: “It is a great honour and a great privilege. We are delighted to have the Princess Royal here.
“We have almshouses in Medway, we do look after our military, and it is a great honour to have her come and recognise that for us.”
MP for Rochester and Strood, Lauren Edwards, added: “I had a really nice chat with her. She was asking me how long I’ve been in the area and a bit about my background.
Chairman of the governors, Lieutenant Commander Stephen Small. Picture: Finn Macdiarmid
“I think she was running a little bit late because she was so keen to speak to so many people, which is always a lovely sign.
“It was lovely to meet her in person for the first time. I think she is probably my favourite royal. She is quite no-nonsense and very hard-working, so it was a delight to meet her.”
The Hospital of Sir John Hawkins has been housing veterans and civilians in Chatham for more than 400 years, since it was founded by the Royal Charter of Queen Elizabeth I in 1594.
Patronage was later taken over by Queen Elizabeth II and, following her death, was given to her daughter, Princess Anne, last year.
The almshouse was previously visited by the Queen Mother in 1984 when it reopened following a refurbishment, and then Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 to celebrate its 400th anniversary.