The Army Benevolent Fund’s Advent service of lessons and carols in the Wren Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, read by serving soldiers, then a reception in the Great Hall.
The Army Benevolent Fund holds the Army Carol Service at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on Tuesday 8 December 2026. The Chapel Choir leads the carols, accompanied by Household Division trumpeters.
The War Cabinet agreed to form the fund in 1944, while three million British soldiers were still on active service. It was established on 15 August that year, with King George VI as Patron and Field Marshal Lord Cavan as President.
A £1.5 million gift from the NAAFI let it begin its work for soldiers, veterans and their families. It was formed as a national charity for the British Army.
The fund hosts the service every year in the Wren Chapel of 1691, at the centre of the Royal Hospital. It is a traditional Advent service of lessons and carols.
The readers are serving soldiers, chosen to represent the range of ranks in today’s Army.
After the service, the congregation moves to the Great Hall for a reception with wine and canapés.