Overview
- Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, opened the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Veterans Centre at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on Monday, a space the palace says will help veterans socialise, stay active and rebuild bonds.
- During the visit she toured the facility and met Chelsea Pensioners, the retired Army veterans who live at the Royal Hospital and take part in its outreach program.
- The appearance was her first in about three weeks after she missed the April 5 Easter service because she was under the weather.
- She also attended a reception for the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms at St James’s Palace later that day.
- Coverage points to a growing role for the Duchess within a smaller royal team, with some outlets reporting unconfirmed claims that Prince William wants her and Prince Edward to take on added duties.