Much to the delight of his whooping Chelsea Pensioner pals practising socially distanced sunbathing with cuppas nearby, regimental sergeant major Arthur Currie picks me a sweet pea.
With mauve petals like butterflies’ wings, it smells of pure summer, and I can’t help but giggle like a teenager as the Pensioners whistle.
Life has been challenging here at London’s historic Royal Chelsea Hospital during the pandemic. Ten of the 290 veteran retirees who live here have been lost to Covid-19, although thankfully 74 more have battled symptoms and won.
Under strict lockdown, these naturally active military men and women are unable to go out or receive visitors, and the silence and emptiness of their prestigious grounds is a sad reminder of what