- The Junior Women’s Eights renamed The Prince Philip Challenge Trophy at annual Henley Royal Regatta
- Henley Royal Regatta becomes 6-day event for the first time
- Forward planning notice: Henley Royal Regatta 2022 dates confirmed as 28 June to 3 July
Henley Royal Regatta 2022 will see the creation of The Prince Philip Challenge Trophy to commemorate keen sportsman The Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away aged ninety-nine on 9 April this year.
The Junior Women’s Eights event – which had a stunning inaugural year in 2021 – will become The Prince Philip Challenge Trophy for the annual Henley Royal Regatta held at Henley-on-Thames. The new Trophy means the event for Junior Men’s Eights is called The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup and the event for Junior Women’s Eights is The Prince Philip Challenge Trophy.
“The historical roots of Henley Royal Regatta are entwined with the Royal Family, and we wanted to honour and celebrate the life of Prince Philip, whose ties with the rowing community were appreciated by all,” Sir Steve Redgrave, Chairman of the Committee of Management, said.
The Junior Women’s Eights was one of three new women’s events in 2021, and this year the Regatta will move from a 5 to 6-day format for the first time in its history, to better accommodate them. The Regatta returns to its traditional place in the calendar, starting on Tuesday 28 June, after moving to the second week of August in 2021 to enable it to be staged after coronavirus restrictions. Historically, the Regatta has run from Wednesday to Sunday, with 5 days of head-to-head knockout racing over a 2,112m course.
Notes
History: Henley Royal Regatta and Prince Philip
Prince Philip had longstanding connections with Henley Royal Regatta and the rowing community, and he presented the prizes at Henley in 1968 and 1998. The Regatta awarded The Prince Philip Challenge Cup for The Men’s Coxed Fours between 1963 and 2003.
In 1851 Prince Albert became the Regatta’s first Royal Patron. Since the death of The Prince Consort, the reigning Monarch has always consented to become Patron. This patronage means the Regatta can be called Henley Royal Regatta. You can read more about the whole history of the Regatta here.
Background
The Junior Women’s Eights was introduced this year and is open to female junior crews from all eligible clubs or secondary schools and rowers under 18.
Henley Royal Regatta 2022
The 2022 Regatta will be held from Tuesday, 28 June to Sunday, 3 July.
Henley Royal Regatta, founded in 1839, is the best-known rowing regatta in the world, renowned for its match-racing. It is one of the highlights of the summer sporting and social calendar in the UK, as well as the rowing calendar internationally. More than 300 races are staged at the Regatta, featuring Olympians and emerging stars from around the world.
