A five-year-old Windsor girl, whose dad serves in the British Army, has met the iconic Chelsea Pensioners at a special intergenerational event.

Hosted by Little Troopers and Royal Hospital Chelsea, the event saw Verona Raravisa, five, and 14 other military children meet the Pensioners as part of the Hospital's Soane Stable Yard redevelopment project.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project showcases the rich heritage of Royal Hospital Chelsea through a new Chelsea Pensioner Museum due to open to the public in October.

A dedicated space for Veterans' Outreach, a café, and a post office is also planned as part of the project.

Chelsea Pensioners and Little Troopers exchanged stories of military life, sharing different perspectives on living in the Armed Forces community.

Following a tour of the Hospital grounds, the group decorated miniature Pensioners' Tricorne hats, and painted dandelions—the official flower of the military child, symbolising strength and resilience.

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said: "This event was about bringing together two completely different generations who both have a connection to the Armed Forces and were interested in learning more about each other’s lives and experiences. 

"We’ve had children travel from all over the country to attend and we’d like to thank the Royal Hospital for helping to facilitate such a special event that these little troopers will remember fondly forever."

Verona said: "We learned about their red coats and the golden statue and we made new friends."

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, said: "Bringing Chelsea Pensioners and children from military families together to learn about the history of this institution and to share experiences will both help the young to put their lives into the context of the past, and reveal powerful social connections which bridge different generations of the military family.

"The children will leave today with a better understanding of the value we must place on veteran care and will hopefully carry this with them into their future."

Royal Hospital Chelsea was founded by King Charles II to offer care and companionship for British Army veterans.

Almost 300 Pensioners live at the Hospital, which supports veterans over the age of 66 who are facing spending their advanced years alone.

More information about Little Troopers, the charity supporting children whose parents serve in the British Armed Forces, is available at www.littletroopers.net.