Henley Royal Regatta Event
Henley Royal Regatta was first held in 1839 and has since been held on an annual basis except during the two world wars in the early 1900’s. The event was originally held by the Mayor and people of Henley as a local attraction with a fair and other amusements for everyone to enjoy. The emphasis, however, rapidly altered so that competitive amateur rowing became its primary purpose. The 1839 Regatta event took place on a single afternoon but proved so popular with oarsmen that the racing lasted for two days from 1840 onward. In 1886 the Regatta was extended to 3 days only and to four days in late 1906. Since early 1928 its increased popularity meant entries exceeded the permitted numbers allowed in several events, and so qualifying races were then introduced to the event. This was ideally to reduce the amount of people applying as it was a first come first serve theme beforehand.
In late 1851 H.R.H Prince Albert became the Henley Royal Regatta’s first Royal patron. Since the death of the Prince Consort, the reigning Monarch has always consented to become Patron. This beloved patronage means the Regatta event can be now be called Henley Royal Regatta. During the course of a much troubled history, the Regatta has often been honoured by visits of the Royal Family including the Prince of Wales and the Queen in 1999.
In 2004 there were significant changes to the Coxed Fours events. The top event, The Prince Phillip Challenge Cup, was withdrawn later that year due to declining interest on a national basis. There are now two events only at the lower level – The Britannia Challenge Cup and the new event for student crews, The Prince Albert Challenge Cup.
The Henley Royal Regatta has always run along side one of its neighbouring events which is the Cheltenham Festival. This festival was created in the mid 1900’s and has always been competing with the Henley Royal Regatta competition. Hospitality at Cheltenham festival has always been a very sought after gift for anyone within the Royal Family and sometimes MPs and celebrities alike are treated to one of the finest days of the year.