Royal Navy's given privilege of rowing at Henley Regatta

Eighteen Royal Navy personnel were given the privilege of rowing Gloriana, the Queen’s rowbarge at Henley Royal Regatta on Sunday.

They were taking part in the King’s Cup which last took place in the UK in 1919 at the end of the Great War.

Six allied powers took part as a way to reunite the world and Australia won – taking the King’s Cup back home. Since then it has been competed for in their national rowing championships but has never left Australian shores.

The six original teams – US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France and the UK were joined by the German and Dutch rowing teams. It was also the first time mixed teams have taken part.

Head of the RN crew, Commander Perry Stowell said: “It was a real honour to row the Queen’s barge while representing the Royal Navy at this historic presentation of the King’s Cup.

“The team represents all ranks and rates of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines who were delighted to take part in such an auspicious event.”

Despite heavy competition from all sides the US crew were the eventual winners on the day, crossing the finish line by three-quarters of a length.