Henley Rowing Regatta, an international event and first held in 1839, usually takes place in early July. In 1851, H.R.H. Prince Albert,
consort to Queen Victoria, became the Regatta's first Royal Patron. Ever since then the reigning Monarch has always consented to become
Patron of the boat race in Henley-on-Thames which is an hour from London. There are hundreds of teams from all over the world competing
in sets of two for a whole week. The place to be is in the various enclosures, where socializing seems just as important as watching the
boats. The enclosures' dress code is often strict: dress for the ladies and suit and tie for gentlemen, some even wear the famous boater hat.
If you want to be more relaxed you can also sit and have a picnic on the left bank of the river Thames.