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The Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over three centuries. The choir has a rich history that dates back to the founding of the Royal Hospital in 1682 by King Charles II. The Royal Hospital was established as a home for retired soldiers, and the Chapel Choir was formed to provide music for the daily services held in the hospital chapel. The choir was initially made up of the pensioners themselves, but over time, it evolved into a professional ensemble that included both male and female singers. One of the highlights of the choir's early history was their performance at the coronation of King George III in 1761. The choir sang Handel's "Zadok the Priest" during the ceremony, which was attended by thousands of people and broadcast throughout the country. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Chapel Choir continued to perform at important events, including the funerals of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. They also performed at the opening ceremony of the 1908 Olympic Games in London. In the mid-20th century, the choir underwent a period of change and modernization. In 1959, they appointed their first professional director of music, William Llewellyn, who introduced new repertoire and expanded the choir's activities beyond the chapel. Under Llewellyn's leadership, the choir began to perform in concerts and on radio and television broadcasts. In 1971, the choir made their first international tour, performing in the United States and Canada. This was followed by tours to Australia, New Zealand, and Europe in the following years. The choir's international reputation continued to grow, and they became known for their beautiful sound and impeccable musicianship. In 1992, the Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea was awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Export Achievement in recognition of their success in promoting British music abroad. This was a significant achievement for the choir and cemented their reputation as one of the finest classical music ensembles in the world. Today, the Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea continues to perform regularly in the hospital chapel and at concerts and events throughout the UK and abroad. They have recorded numerous albums and have collaborated with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors. One of the choir's most memorable performances in recent years was their appearance at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. The choir sang a beautiful rendition of "Stand by Me" during the ceremony, which was watched by millions of people around the world. The Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea is a testament to the enduring power of classical music and the importance of preserving musical traditions. Their rich history and exceptional musicianship have made them a beloved institution in the UK and beyond, and they continue to inspire audiences with their beautiful performances.

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