Sovereign's Prize

Sovereign's Prize
SportShooting
CompetitionImperial Meeting
DisciplineFullbore target rifle
LocationBisley Camp
Country United Kingdom
Presented byNational Rifle Association
History
First award1860
Editions154
First winnerEdward CR Ross
Most wins3 times
Most recentDC Luckman

The Sovereign's Prize is a British fullbore target rifle shooting competition. It is the climax of the National Rifle Association's annual Imperial Meeting and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious prizes in the sport globally.[1] The prize is typically referred to as the Queen's Prize or the King's Prize depending on the incumbent British monarch.

The Prize was first contested in 1860, with the winner receiving a gold medal and £250. Strictly, the "Queen's Prize" refers to the £250 cash prize, which was originally the personal gift of Queen Victoria. The gold medal is awarded by the Association.[2] As of 2024, the Prize has been contested 155 times, breaking only for the World Wars. Although contested on an open basis, it has only been won three times by women (in 1930, 2000 and 2022). Six people have won it three times.

  1. ^ "H.M. The Queen's Prize". GB Rifle Team. Archived from the original on 12 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  2. ^ "Aris's Birmingham Gazette, etc. 07 May 1860, page 1". Aris's Birmingham Gazette. 7 May 1860. p. 1. The Queen's prize of 250l., together with the gold medal of the Association, will be shot for by candidates successful in other trials, the ranges being 800, 900 and 1000 yards.