Founder’s Day parade in London, England

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Founder’s Day in England celebrates the escape of the future King Charles II after defeat in the Battle of Worchester in 1651. The King evaded capture by hiding in a royal oak tree. As part of the celebration the Chelsea Pensioners, British veteran soldiers at the the Royal Chelsea Hospital, are inspected by a member of the royal family. This year the honors were carried out by Sophie, Countess of Wessex. All members of the ceremonies wear sprigs of oak leaves to commemorate the escape. The hospital was founded by King Charles II in 1682 and is home to some 300 pensioners.