The King’s Cup was first raced in 1919, following the end of the First World War. It featured eight military rowing crews from six nations that was designed to help build peace between nations.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of this occasion, in 2019 the King’s Cup was raced again – this time in front of 100,000 people at the Henley Royal Regatta.
The United Kingdom Armed Forces crew contained Oxford, Cambridge and University of Bristol graduates who raced against military crews from the USA, France, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands.
This time the race was a mixed gender race, celebrating the role of women in the armed forces.
To recognise the role the University of Bristol played in the 2019 King’s Cup, a gold medal was presented at the celebration event held on Tuesday 25 June to Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Global Civic Engagement, Professor Palie Smart, University of Bristol Boat Club Alumni Chair Florence Ward, and Head Coach and Boatman Ed Bloomfield.
Twenty Bristol oarsmen and women formed the honour guard for the 240 guests including stewards of Henley Royal Regatta, ambassadors and defence attaches, sixteen livery companies and representations from the University Vice-Chancellors offices of Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol.
Among those publicly acknowledged for their service to the sport were rowing author Christopher Dodd, rowing journalist Rachel Quarrell, and Theresa May MP.
Chris Hartley, Founding Chair of the University Bristol Boat Club Alumni and Chair of The King’s Cup, said: “This was a wonderful occasion highlighting the link between the UK Armed Forces and our sport as well as those who are are often under-recognised. The University Boat Club looked spectacular and represented the University with both style and distinction.”
More information about the King's Cup can be found here: The King's Cup (kingscup.org)