On Thursday 23 June, The Royal Star & Garter Homes celebrated its Centenary with a Fundraising Dinner. The recently transformed Imperial War Museum London provided a stunning backdrop to the evening’s celebrations.

Guest-of-honour was Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, who has been the Charity’s President for over 50 years, and whose grandmother, Queen Mary was the Charity’s Founder and first Patron. Other dignitaries included Mark Lancaster MP, the Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, who took the opportunity to chat with residents from The Royal Star & Garter Homes. The Minister commented: “It was a privilege to attend the Centenary Dinner and humbling to meet some of the veterans that I represent. I am proud to support the Charity’s invaluable work in providing care for ex-Service personnel.”

Keen supporter of the Charity, Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher, who was awarded the George Cross in 2008, was a welcome guest, as was James Berry MP. The Armed Forces were represented by Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, Chief of Defence People, and serving members of all three Forces.

Following a drinks reception held in the Second World War Galleries, accompanied by music from The Corps of Drums of HM Royal Marines Band Portsmouth, guests sat down to dinner seated amongst museum exhibits, including a Battle of Britain Spitfire, a Harrier jet and a German V2 rocket.

The evening was generously funded by lead sponsor London Square and by Knight Frank. It was a great success, raising over £50,000 towards the cost of providing specialist care to disabled veterans.

The Charity’s Chairman, Major General Tim Tyler, commented: “The Royal Star & Garter Homes has been dedicated to providing the highest standard of specialist care for disabled veterans for 100 years. Serving your country and putting your life on the line for the protection of others is something that should never be forgotten and, together with our generous supporters this evening, we have marked our Centenary, paid tribute to our veterans past and present, and look forward to supporting veterans into the future.”