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On Friday, 15th July The Royal Homes celebrated the centenary of its opening in 1905 by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
The Royal Homes were named Queen Alexandra’s Court in honour of Queen Alexandra whose influence and generosity helped substantially in raising the money needed to build them. It was therefore especially fitting that her great-grand-daughter, Princess Alexandra, should be the royal guest at the Centenary Celebration Garden Party to mark the occasion. In 1905 the King and Queen had planted trees to mark the occasion. The Princess followed the tradition in 2005 by planting an Oak with the same spade her great-grandmother had used before her.
Queen Alexandra’s Court provides homes for 75 widows, divorcees or unmarried daughters of retired Officers or Warrant Officers from our Armed Services and women who were formerly themselves Officers or Warrant Officers. The Royal Homes is responsible for its own finance and residents make contributions towards running costs according to ability. It is also generously supported by the three principal Service charities and by gifts and legacies from other benefactors.
Accommodation at the Court is continuously modernised and is currently undergoing a major project to fit purpose-built kitchens to vacated flats. The flats have been substantially altered since the days when, “each had a coal house but no bathroom…” and …”bath tubs were installed in the kitchens, covered by wooden work tops and fitted with gas geysers.”
What has not changed throughout its 100 years of existence is the dedication of all at the Royal Homes in providing a pleasant environment in which those who choose to live there can enjoy a dignified life in attractive surroundings at a reasonable cost.
