17:00
King's College London
March 27
Overview
Join us to celebrate King's Duel Day over dinner at the Army & Navy Club
The KCL Washington, DC Alumni Committee is pleased to invite you to a semi-formal dinner to commemorate one of the most eccentric and foundational moments in King’s College London history: Duel Day.
The Evening
Join fellow King’s alumni for a semi-formal, two-course dinner at the historic Army & Navy Club in downtown Washington, DC. This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni and toast to the history of King's!
Venue: Washington Room, The Army & Navy Club, 901 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, United States
Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Time: 7:00pm–9:30pm
Cancellation policy: Refunds available up to 7 days before the event
Attire: Gentlemen are required to wear a coat and collared shirt or a suit. Ladies’ attire should be of comparable formality. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted.
Tickets: £95, which includes dinner and drinks
Capacity: This will be an intimate dinner of 24 total guests. Alumni may bring a significant other/plus one with a connection to King’s.
Parking and transit: Street parking is very limited. A self-pay valet is available for $17. Closest Metro station: Farragut North.
Booking deadline: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Menu
What is Duel Day?
Every year, King’s alumni around the world gather to mark the anniversary of the duel fought on March 21, 1829, between the Duke of Wellington (then Prime Minister and a founder of King’s) and the Earl of Winchilsea. Winchilsea had denounced Wellington’s support for the Catholic Relief Act—a move Winchilsea viewed as a betrayal.
The two met at the asparagus fields which is now Battersea Park to settle the matter with pistols. In a display of true British drama, Winchilsea fired into the air, and Wellington (a notoriously good shot) intentionally aimed wide. Honors were satisfied, no one was hurt, and the Duel became a defining moment in the push for a more inclusive university.
By standing his ground, Wellington ensured that King’s would be a forward-thinking institution, foundational in the movement to open higher education to students of all faith backgrounds.
It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with the King’s community in Washington, DC, meet new contacts, and enjoy an evening together. Whether you are new to the area or have been here for years, we would be delighted to see you there.