War Horse boost as veteran Chelsea pensioner Roy launches his 1,000-mile Ride for Peace at Windsor Castle

Old soldier and poet, Roy Palmer, is no stranger to a challenge with a recent wing walk (which he found boring!) and two 15,000ft parachute jumps under his belt. Now the 87-year-old is taking on his biggest yet when he attempts to cycle the equivalent of Lands’ End to John O’Groats. With Royal endorsement from HRH Queen Camilla.

This week, Governor of the Castle, Lieutenant General Philip Jones CB CBE DL, invited The War Horse Memorial, and supporters of Chelsea pensioner Roy, to the historic Norman Tower for the official launch of Roy’s Ride for Peace.

ON HIS BIKE: Roy in front of the Royal Chelsea Hospital with a Lamp of Peace.

At a series of events this summer he will pedal his static bike and carry a special lamp which will be lit at a special ceremony later in the year. It will signify the Lamp Light of Peace, an initiative to encourage people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds in the UK to hope for a peaceful world, free of conflict and war.

Roy has chosen the 1,000-mile journey in memory of his wife, Muriel, who died eight years ago after almost 55 years of marriage. He will be doing it to fundraise in support of two causes: the Royal Hospital Chelsea, under the banner ‘Scarlet Wheels Challenge’ where he is an in- pensioner, and for The War Horse Memorial, raising money to help animal welfare charities.

Roy explained: “I love a challenge. When I heard about this fantastic initiative, I wanted to play my part. My wife always said I was a bit crazy, and some will say mad for even attempting this at my age. But I’m an old soldier and I’ve lived a full life. I feel it’s important we all make a stand for peace to leave our precious world safe and secure for our children and their children.

ROYAL APPROVAL: The letter to Roy written by Queen Camilla.

“I love writing factual poetry and have published three books, with another pending. The future of the world and the use of animals in war are a big part of my books. Queen Camilla has all three of which I’m extremely proud. Although she wasn’t able to join us for the launch, she did send me a message of goodwill and support which was wonderful to receive.”

The Lamp Light of Peace is brainchild of Pageantmaster Bruno Peek CVO OBE CPR. He says, “Roy’s Ride for Peace will, I know, resonate with young and old. In a world often frayed at the edges, remembrance serves as our guiding star.

“So let us not only reflect on the past but also look to the future as we join across the land at 10.57am on November 11th, 2026, as we light the Lamp Lights of Peace throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Roy with the Governor of the Castle, Lieutenant General Philip Jones.

“I am delighted that Roy was able to present the Governor with a lamp that will burn brightly in Windsor Castle, which has served as a royal residence for almost a thousand years. And I’m delighted to reveal that £5 from every lamp sold will go to The War Horse Memorial. “

If you would like to support Roy, go to his JustGiving page by using the button below.