H.M. King Edward VII opened the Royal Naval Hospital in 1905. The hospital was in operational service with the Royal Navy from 1905 until 1961 when the Royal Navy vacated it. Members of the Royal Family often visited sick and injured sailors in the hospital. On the 26th July 1905, H.M. King Edward VII opened the new Royal Naval Hospital at Chatham. He carried out the opening ceremony using a gold key, which had been presented to him in a silver casket. He then toured the hospital's day rooms, operating theatre, offices, men's wards and kitchens.
