The Annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses (fondly known as the ‘Cheese Ceremony’) took place in early December. It marked a remarkable 333rd anniversary of the tradition and the 66th year of the formalisation of the event.
Cheesemakers from across the UK attended and expressed generosity by donating their British cheeses to the Pensioners of the Royal Hospital Chelsea as part of this long-standing tradition.
Our Chief Executive and Dairy UK Chairman, Paul Vernon thanked the industry for their generosity.
He stated "The community and camaraderie at the Royal Hospital never fail to inspire us. In a world where genuine connection can sometimes be overlooked, occasions like this remind us how important friendship and shared moments are — especially for healthy ageing. We’re always touched by the warm welcome we receive each year.
As cheesemakers, we’re proud to donate our delicious, nutrient-rich British cheeses to support this wonderful tradition. Cheese is one of our great national foods and plays an important role in good nutrition throughout life. It’s a privilege to stand alongside the Chelsea Pensioners and be part of a celebration that brings people together in such a meaningful way.”