St Paul’s Cathedral Unveil a Memorial for the 7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Gurkha Rifles who were disbanded in 1994 after 100 years of service the British Crown

On Saturday the 10 October 2026, veterans from The 7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Gurkha Rifles (7GR), together with their families and friends gathered in St Paul’s Cathedral to witness the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of the Cathedral accompanied by a Pundit and Lama from the Brigade, dedicate and bless a Regimental Memorial to all those who served and to those who gave their lives in the service of the Nation.

The Regiment was disbanded in 1994 as part of a British Army reorganisation and to make way for the formation of The Royal Gurkha Rifles. The 2m tall Portland stone memorial has been designed and hand carved by the renowned stone mason, designer and letter carver Martin Cook and has been installed in the All Souls Kitchener Chapel in the Cathedral.

7 Gurkha Rifles Memorial St Paul's Cathedral 10 Oct 26

The Regiment was raised in India by the then Commander in Chief, the Earl Kitchener and now, with the permission of the Lady Emma Kitchener LVO and the Dean and Chapter, their nearly one hundred years of service and sacrifice will be honoured and remembered forever.

7th Gurkha Rifles is a former Regiment of the British and Indian Armies and was disbanded in 1994. During nearly one hundred years of service to the British Crown, thousands of officers and Gurkha soldiers served in the 7th Gurkha Rifles and many died in many countries across the world during war and conflicts. Unlike most regiments in the British Army, the Regiment has no permanent home or direct association with a place in the United Kingdom.

There are currently 100 veterans living in Nepal and 300 who live in the UK. They wish to permanently commemorate the service and sacrifice of the Regiment to the nation before they pass on and the 7th Gurkhas become forgotten.

Lieutenant (Retd) Nabin Siwa 7GR said; “For me personally, this memorial is a living tribute to our forefathers and to all those who made the supreme sacrifice in various operations and active service. It will ensure the legacy and spirit of the Regiment lives on for generations to come.”

Brigadier (Retd) David Morgan 7GR (Commanding Officer during the Falklands War 1982) said; “Since the Second World War the Regiment has had no home nor lasting recognition of service in this country. This memorial provides both and makes sure that future generations know of the sacrifices made by members of my Regiment.”

St Paul’s Cathedral has an iconic status in the capital city, in the hearts and minds of the British people, as a spiritual place steeped in military history and as an enduring symbol of the Nation’s resilience. This memorial will be of national significance, that has real meaning to the Regiment, a place where to honour their unique mixture of religions and cultures is both acceptable and appropriate.

It will also be a memorial to All Ranks, British and Gurkha, for those who gave their lives and for those who served. It will symbolize a source of joy and pride to the members of the Regiment, their families and an inspiration to future generations.

Trustees and Members of the Regiment, with the support of Lady Emma Kitchener Fellowes, the Dean and Chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral granted permission to place in the Kitchener All Souls Memorial Chapel, a high-quality wall plaque to record and honour those who served in the Regiment.