As the regatta pre-dates any national or international rowing organisation, it has it's own rules and organisation, although it is recognised by both the Amateur Rowing Association (the governing body of rowing in England and Wales) and FISA (the International Rowing Federation). The regatta is organised by the Stewards, who are largely former rowers themselves.

The regatta was first staged in 1839 and proved so successful that it was expanded the next year from one day to two the next year. Further expansion to three days in the late 19th century, 4 days in 1906 and five days in 1986 are proof of the regatta's importance.

The regatta has been known as Henley Royal Regatta since 1851, when Prince Albert became the first royal patron. Since his death, every reigning monarch has agreed to be the patron.

The regatta was for male rowers only until 1993 (women had been permitted to cox for some time), when Women's single sculls were introduced. Since then women's eights and women's quadruple sculls have also been added.

The regatta is one of the major events in the social calendar of the upper class in England. Competition for the limited number of tickets to the Stewards Enclosure is quite high, particularly for the fifth and final day. Although preference is given to people who have previously competed at the regatta, the social position of the event means that some people in the Steward's Enclosure may have no interest in the actual rowing. The Steward's Enclosure is also known for a strict enforcement of its dress code - anyone not suitably dressed can be refused entry, no matter their prestige in rowing or elsewhere.