Royal Army?

[smee.tracey]

Why is it Royal Navy, Royal Airforce and not Royal Army? I've pondered this for a while. Please help

[Glossopswift]

I�m sure a fuller answer will follow shortly but I believe it is something to do with the fact that the forerunner of today�s regular army have fought against the crown (during the Civil Wars of the 17^th C.), whereas the Navy and RAF haven't. In fact, the RAF were noticeably quiet during the Civil Wars.

[Octavius]

Yes, the British Army does not include royal in its title, because of its roots as a collection of disparate units.

Prior to the English Civil War in 1642, there was no standing army in England or Scotland. Troops were raised by the King when required, a development of the feudal concept of fief (in which a lord was obligated to raise a certain quota of knights, men at arms and yeomanry, under greater control of the King).  After the Civil War, parliament assumed control of the Army, and standing companies based on Cromwell's New Model Army formed the concept of the first regiments. The Restoration of Charles II saw the Model Army kept as a standing force, and the King raised further regiments loyal to the Crown. On January 26th, 1661 Charles II issued the warrant that officially founded the British Army.

[WaldoMcFroog]

To add something to this, many regiments are designated as 'Royal' such as the 'Royal Fussiliers' etc.

[smee.tracey]

Thank you all very much. It's stopped my pondering once and for all.

[Peter Pedant]

No No! You have to keep pondering until I've chipped in my twopennyworth

The Army was never Royal because they chopped the King's head off - The Royal Navy was - it specifically came out in favour of Charles I during said civil war.

The RAF - like the RCCC (Camel Corps) was I admit preternaturally quiet during the Civil War (of the 1640s that is, I realise we have an international readership)

PP

[Peter Pedant]

Oh, by the way - I think it was the Bill of Rights,1689 the monarch agreed NOT to keep a standing army. The army is therefore renewed each year by an Army Act.

Or at least was before the blairite reforms to liberalise and deregulate all aspects of British Society......

[Noweia]

As the RAF was only formed in 1917, it's no wonder they were quiet during the Civil Wars of the 17th century!

[smee.tracey]

Peter Pedant never fear. I think I'll just pospone the pondering. I'm enjoying all the attention!

[nathan2]

how about the royal ye olde movement corps, whom rallied around on the back of swines (pigs) .They were the poorer of the monarchists army , they arer all but forgoten except in the hereford area