Archbishop Desmond Tutu was one of King's College London's best-known and best-loved alumni - he studied Theology at King's in the early/mid 1960s, was a Fellow of the College (FKC), and was immensely proud of his connections with King's, which he maintained throughout his life. We were very glad to be able to livestream a special service of Choral Evensong from the College Chapel in October 2021 for his 90th birthday, which his family have confirmed he watched and enjoyed.

Now, six months later, we come together again to remember the Arch (as he was widely known), to give thanks for his life, work, and witness, and to reflect on the impact he made on King's, and the impact which King's had on him. Whatever your connection to the Arch, you are welcome to join us - but please note that because we are still taking precautions to help stop the circulation of Covid-19, tickets are required, and numbers are limited (although there will be a waiting list).

IMPORTANT: We have learned that UNISON are planning strike action on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 April, which means that when you arrive at King's for the Memorial Service on the Tuesday there may be a picket line outside the College (or there may not, given the time of day). If you do not wish to cross the picket line, and therefore are not able to join us in person at the service, you might like to know that the service will be livestreamed on the Chapel Choir's YouTube channel, so you're very welcome to join us via that route. If you have any queries about the service, or about the booking process, please contact us on dean@kcl.ac.uk, or 020 7848 2444.

As Professor Shitij Kapur, President & Principal of King's, commented at the time of the Arch's death at the end of December, "his contributions to King's were immense and in his frequent visits here, he profoundly touched all those he met. Through his sermons, lectures, addresses and acts of worship, and as a teller of wonderful and engaging stories and jokes, he had a seminal effect on students and staff and was a dear friend to many in the King's community." He will be greatly missed - and very fondly remembered.

Memorial Service for Archbishop Desmond Tutu