The modern Royal Navy traces its origins to the English Navy established under Henry VIII in the early sixteenth century. Before this time, fleets were haphazardly assembled and dispersed after campaigns ended.
In 1707, the legislative Union of England and Scotland consummated when Scots and English navies united to become known as the British navy on May first. On that date flags changed from the white cross of St Andrew on blue banners to the Union Jack.
As of December 2025 there are sixty-three active commissioned ships including submarines plus one historic ship in the Royal Navy alongside ten vessels belonging to Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers form central part UK Carrier Strike Group operating STOVL variant F-35 Lightning II fighters.
Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth Devon serves initial officer training establishment while basic ratings training takes place HMS Raleigh Torpoint Cornwall close HMNB Devonport. Present-day officers ratings several different uniforms designed worn aboard ship ashore ceremonial duties divided into warfare branch includes Warfare Officers previously named seamen officers Naval Aviators other branches including Royal Engineers Medical Branch Logistics Officers formerly Supply Officers ranks rates insignia form part uniform pattern many national navies world based upon customs traditions use ensigns ships badges formalized Jackspeak nicknames Andrew uncertain origin possibly zealous press ganger Matelots Bootnecks widely used terms.
In 1588 the Royal Navy successfully repulsed the Spanish Armada though the subsequent English Armada was lost the following year. This event marked a significant moment after Elizabeth I saw privately owned vessels combine with Queen's ships to raid Spanish commerce and colonies profitably.