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For all enquiries, please contact the Chaplaincy team via the Chapel’s Honorary Verger - peter.franklin105@mod.gov.uk.
Chapels of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
There has always been a Chapel and serving Chaplains at The Royal Military Academy since its inception as The Royal Military College in 1812, and since 1947 as The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Today, The Royal Memorial Chapel sits in Chapel Square, with The Roman Catholic Chapel of Christ The King in the opposite corner of the square. In recognition of the diversity of the Officer Cadet population, there is also a Multi-Faith prayer Room.
Regular Sunday services are held in both Chapels throughout term time by the team of resident Chaplains. Major services in term are Colours to Chapel on the first Sunday of term, Old College Sunday mid term and Commissioning services before Sovereign’s Parade. The whole Academy comes together for the annual Service of Remembrance in November.
The History & Development of the Sandhurst Chapels
The first Chapel at Sandhurst in 1813 was inside the Grand Entrance of Old College, in what has now become the Indian Army Memorial Room. The only surviving picture shows the font in place in front of the Sanctuary, As the only surviving artefact from that Chapel it is still in use today in the Royal Memorial Chapel.
Over time, the Chapel proved to be inadequate to accommodate the growing College population. A new Chapel was commissioned, with a new design proposed by Lt. Henry Hardy Cole R.E. This was eventually built in 1879 on the current Chapel site, and overseen by the architect Lt Col Richard Williams R.E..
Further expansion was planned, and a proposal by Captain A.C. Martin was adopted to accommodate the large number of memorials following the 1914-18 war. This proposal turned the Chapel by ninety degrees into its current form.
The build to the East end completed in 1921, and to the West end in 1937. The Chapel was dedicated on May 2nd 1937 by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Gordon Lang, in the presence of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Over the last few years the British Army and The Royal Army Chaplains' Department have been providing training to Ukrainian Military chaplains as part of the UK-Led operation to train the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Each term over 20 Ukrainian chaplains visit the Royal Memorial Chapel as part of this training. In May 2025 their haunting chants were captured during their visit.
Chaplains of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Academy Chaplain:
Rev’d Nigel Kinsella CF
Assistant Chaplains:
Rev’d Robbie Robinson CF
Rev’d Canon Martin Robbins CF
Chapel Services
We are able to accept requests for Baptisms, Weddings, Funeral and Memorial Services during term time at the Royal Memorial Chapel or in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Christ the King from:
1) Serving Officers & the Children of Serving Officers
2) Retired Officers
3) Habitual worshippers at the Royal Memorial Chapel or Christ the King, RMAS Permanent Staff, Military or Civilian, and their children.
We aim to accommodate requests whenever possible, but please note Chapel availability is limited, due to core Military activity. No availability in Advent, Lent or Academy Recess Periods ( April, August and December)
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst does not hold a Licence for Civil Ceremonies.
Please note a chapel booking does not automatically mean you will be able to hold a reception at RMAS.
For all booking enquiries, please contact the Chaplaincy team via the Chapel’s Honorary Verger - peter.franklin105@mod.gov.uk.
Music in the Royal Memorial Chapel
The Chapel has a robed choir which sings at all Sunday services, normally one service each Sunday at 10:30 in term time. The choir has an extensive repertoire, and performs to a high standard. Rehearsals are from 19:30 to 21:00 every Thursday evening in term time.
The Choir currently has vacancies in the Tenor and Bass sections. If you are interested talk to a choir member after any service, or contact the Choir Administrator, Jackie Keay, by email on ad.rmc.chapel.choir@gmail.com
Organist & Director of Music
Simon Dinsdale BA, MA, FLCM, LTCL, LLCM, SFFLM, FTCSM, FMCM, FGMS, HonFNCM, FISM
Email: music.rmc.rmas@gmail.com
Choral Director Richard Stevens, ARCM
Enjoy a special tour around the Royal Memorial Chapel, which stands as a memorial to all those who have passed through the Academy and lost their lives in conflict.
If you enjoyed learning about the Royal Memorial Chapel and its rich history, please consider supporting its preservation by donating to our Heritage Fund. Your contribution helps us maintain this iconic landmark for future generations, ensuring its stories, architecture, and legacy continue to inspire all who visit.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you.
