Residents living across the Royal Star and Garter Homes have been delighted to receive a personal letter from their esteemed Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, as the celebrated charity marks its significant 110th anniversary. The Princess Royal extended her best wishes for a wonderful celebration in the correspondence, which was individually presented to each resident at the charity's Homes located in Solihull, Surbiton, and High Wycombe. This heartfelt gesture coincides with the organisation preparing to commemorate its landmark anniversary in 2026.
A Legacy of Care Since 1916
The Royal Star and Garter was originally established on January 14, 1916, founded to provide care for severely injured men returning from the battlefields of the First World War. This initiative followed direct concern expressed by Queen Mary, who charged the British Red Cross Society with creating a permanent haven for these young, disabled veterans. Over a century later, the charity continues its vital mission, offering loving and compassionate care to veterans and their families who are living with disability or dementia through its specialist Homes.
Community Services and Historical Highlights
Beyond its residential care, the charity extends its support into the wider community through services such as Lunch Clubs, Day Care programmes, and a national Telephone Friendship Service. In her commemorative letter, The Princess Royal highlighted key milestones in the charity's rich history. These included its participation in the 1948 Stoke Mandeville Games, which famously launched the Paralympic movement, and the strategic sale of its original Home on Richmond Hill. This sale enabled the construction of three new, state-of-the-art Homes to better serve beneficiaries.
Her Royal Highness concluded her letter by stating, As Patron of Royal Star and Garter, I look forward to meeting many more of you in the coming years and I send you my best wishes for a wonderful celebration.
Anniversary Celebrations Across the Homes
Celebrations officially commenced on January 14 and continued on Friday, January 30, with each Home hosting special events. A central feature was the planting of oak trees in the gardens of all three Homes, symbolising strength and endurance. This act also tied into the nationwide, community-led Veterans' Oaks initiative, creating a living memorial for years to come.
Surbiton Home Festivities
At the Surbiton Home, residents enjoyed a performance from 25 singers of the Singology choir, followed by a traditional afternoon tea. Distinguished guests included the Mayor of Kingston upon Thames, Noel Hadjimichael, who participated in planting the oak tree. Pupils from the Combined Cadet Force at Southborough High School also joined the celebrations.
High Wycombe Home Celebrations
The High Wycombe Home hosted a celebratory tea party, attended by local Mayor Majid Hussain. Mayor Hussain assisted with the tree planting, alongside Wing Commander Michael Adamson from RAF High Wycombe, who was present to mark the occasion.
Solihull Home Commemorations
The Solihull Home was specially decorated for the anniversary. Residents enjoyed live music and a bespoke 110th birthday cake. Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Conservative MP for Solihull West and Shirley, helped plant the oak tree, with Mayor Annette Mackenzie also in attendance.
Reflections on a Storied Past and Future Vision
Royal Star and Garter Chair, Richard Williams MC, reflected on the significance of the anniversary. The letter from The Princess Royal is a wonderful gift from our Patron to our residents, and the planting of the oak trees, which symbolise strength, endurance and our belief in the future, will act as a living reminder of this anniversary for many years to come, he said.
He added, This is a particular moment of pride and reflection and reminds us that we must build on our storied past to secure our services for future beneficiaries. Since 1916 we have provided exceptional care and unwavering support to veterans and their families. Today, as we plan to expand our services further, we look forward to continuing our necessary work.
The Royal Star and Garter continues to welcome new residents to its Homes and is actively seeking support for its ongoing and expanding services.
