HRR tribute to
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
1926 - 2022
The Stewards of Henley Royal Regatta are deeply saddened to learn of the death of their Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1851, the Stewards of Henley Regatta requested from The Prince Consort the honour of a Royal Patronage. His Royal Highness Prince Albert graciously consented and, upon his demise, Her Majesty Queen Victoria agreed to the continuance of the Royal Patronage and accordingly it has ever since been generously renewed by each Monarch upon Accession.
The determined support of that patronage has been assiduously demonstrated over the years through the visits to Henley Royal Regatta by members of Great Britain’s Royal Family and of other Royal Families, sometimes purely of a social nature but also, more formally, from time to time for the presentation of the prizes.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attended Henley Royal Regatta as HRH Princess Elizabeth in 1946 when she graciously agreed that the new trophy for the Schools’ Race be named The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup. Some years later Her Majesty officially opened the new purpose-built Regatta Headquarters by Henley Bridge.
The continuance of this Royal Patronage by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has been cherished by all associated with Henley Royal Regatta, and her selfless devotion to the people of the United Kingdom and the rest of the Commonwealth is a quality that we in the rowing community recognise and respect.
The Competitors, Members, Volunteers, Staff and Stewards of Henley Royal Regatta join the entire nation in mourning and salute Her Majesty in her exemplary dedication to duty. They offer their heartfelt condolences to all The Royal Family. They raise three cheers in presenting their respects for Her Majesty’s brilliant achievements in developing, establishing and maintaining standards that are so highly regarded throughout the world.
Long live The King.
This statement was originally published on the Regatta's website on Thursday, 8 September 2022.
