Why is it its the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, but just the Army.?
The Royal Navy is called ‘Royal’ for the same reason that the Royal Air Force is Royal. The RN and RAF are two completely organised armed services, which have Royal Status. The British Army is a great deal more complex. In simple terms, the British Army is made up of two armies. After the restoration of King Charles II, the armies of Parliament (The New Model Army) and that of the King, were amalgamated to create the new British Army. Those regiments which had been in the King’s Army, were given the title ‘Royal’, those regiments which had formed part of the New Model Army, did not want ‘Royal’ so remained plain whatever regiment. Some regiments refrain from be called ‘Royal’ because of recruitment difficulties in the main area where they recruit. It might be the case that some young men do not wish to join a ‘Royal’ regiment. All of the above is just the basics. It’s much more complicated. But I hope this gives you some idea.
