The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British Armed forces, tracing its roots to the English navy established in the 16th century, and therefore known as the Senior Service. Upon the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, it became a national institution, instead of the king's navy, and was given its modern name. From the beginning of the 18th century until well into the 20th century, it was the most powerful navy in the world. Due to this historical prominence, it is common – even among non-Britons – to refer to it as "The Royal Navy" without qualification.
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In 1814, the Royal Navy was quite effective in disrupting American shipping in Chesapeake Bay.
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Flag of the Royal Navy in 1632.
In the 1630s, the English Navy was not yet formally known as the Royal Navy, though it may have been informally referred to as such, and up-timers may have tended to think of it by that name.
The Royal Navy participated in the Battle of Dunkirk, where the British and French fleets decimated the Dutch navy.
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