The Commemoration service, known by most as ‘Big Commem’, returned to Westminster Abbey in November following a break of four years. The service of processions, words and music, much of it said and sung in Latin, celebrated the refounding of the school in 1560, paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth I, as well as its benefactors over the years, many of whom are interred or memorialised within Westminster Abbey.

In his address to the packed church of pupils, parents and Old Westminsters, Head Master Dr Gary Savage reflected on the act of commemoration: “It is a pleasure and a privilege to share this special evening with you, when we come together to celebrate our founding by Elizabeth I, and also, on this occasion, mark with honour and respect the passing of her successor, Elizabeth II.

“Big Commem is always a hugely important event in the School’s calendar; but perhaps today more than ever we live consciously and conspicuously in commemorative times. Back in September, this sacred place was full of mourners at the late Queen’s funeral; and just last weekend, it heaved again on another powerful and moving Remembrance Sunday. The King’s Scholars were gathered round the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, while the King was at the Cenotaph. Both places encapsulate what historian Jay Winter has called ‘sites of memory, sites of mourning’ – places that become the locus of our collective reflection and connection; connection with the past, with sacrifice, and with one another.

“To my mind, the National Covid Memorial Wall, just across the river, beneath St Thomas’s, does something similar, creating a site of memory and mourning that speaks deeply to our human need for connection through memory, reflection, honour and thanksgiving.”

Dr Savage went on to praise the generosity of the School’s benefactors, so that “countless young men and women could find their voice, pursue their passions and go on to live useful and fulfilling lives – often, as our Founder wished it, to the greater glory of the State”, and looked to the future of the school that will “become an ever more diverse school community, of staff and pupils alike, all of whom are welcome here irrespective of ethnic background, gender, sexuality, faith or politics. That is not to say there cannot be dissenting voices or robust debate – these are an essential part of our immutable DNA – but disagreement should be evidenced-based, deployed with respect, and bound in kindness. In this way, friendships can and do flourish amidst all the arguments, and everyone can feel that they belong at a School which should also be an place of refuge in troubled times, a home away from home for us all.”

The Commemoration service, led by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend David Hoyle, was built of many symbolic elements. A Procession of Thanksgiving saw the 44 King’s Scholars move from the great west door to the far east of the church to lay a wreath of roses on the tomb of Elizabeth I. Prayers were said for benefactors including King George I, former Head Masters Richard Busby and William Vincent, and A A Milne OW, who bequeathed a share of the rights to Winnie-the-Pooh to the School.

The choir sang Latin psalms, a Te Deum, and the School Prayer, readings were given by pupils, and congregational hymns included Angularis Fundamentum to the tune Westminster Abbey by Henry Purcell OW, and Love Divine, words by Charles Wesley OW, and with the descant by James O’Donnell from the funeral of the late Queen in September..

In his final prayer, the Reverend Daniel Warnke, School Chaplain spoke: “Almighty God, in whom we live and move and have our being: bless this School, that whatsoever things are true and pure, lovely and of good report may here abound and flourish.”

Following the service, the congregation moved through the Abbey cloisters, lit with flaming torches held by Scholars.