What Is 1st, or The Royal Regiment of Foot

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1st or The Royal Regiment of Foot, formed in 1633, was the oldest infantry regiment in the British Army and later became the Royal Scots in 1751. It served in numerous conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and World War I, before amalgamating in 2006 into the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Key Facts

Formed in 1633, it is the oldest regiment in the British Army
Renamed the Royal Scots in 1751 to distinguish it from other regiments
Served in the Napoleonic Wars, Crimean War, and both World Wars
Awarded 77 battle honours during World War I
Amalgamated into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006

Overview

The 1st or The Royal Regiment of Foot holds a distinguished place in British military history as the first infantry regiment officially raised for the British Crown. Originally formed in 1633 under King Charles I, it predates the formal establishment of the British Army and served continuously for over 370 years.

Recognized for its longevity and service, the regiment evolved from a Scottish mercenary force into a cornerstone of British military power. Its legacy is marked by participation in nearly every major conflict involving Britain from the 17th to the 21st century.

Established in 1633, the regiment was initially raised to support French forces during the Thirty Years' War and was composed primarily of Scottish soldiers.
In 1751, it was officially designated The Royal Regiment of Foot to prevent confusion with other numbered regiments, affirming its status as the first in the order of precedence.
The regiment earned the nickname “The Royals” due to its elite status and long association with royal patronage and ceremonial duties.
It was reorganized as the Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) in 1881 during the Childers Reforms, which modernized the British Army’s structure.
The regiment was disbanded in 2006 as part of defense restructuring, merging with five other Scottish regiments to form the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Historical Service and Campaigns

The Royal Regiment of Foot saw action in nearly every major British military campaign over three centuries, earning a reputation for resilience and discipline. Its deployments spanned continents and conflicts, from European battlefields to colonial outposts.

Thirty Years' War (1618–1648): The regiment was first engaged in continental Europe, fighting under French command before returning to Britain during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
American Revolutionary War (1775–1783): Deployed to North America, the regiment fought at key battles including Bunker Hill and Yorktown.
Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815): The regiment served in the Peninsular Campaign under Wellington, participating in the Siege of Badajoz and the Battle of Vitoria.
Crimean War (1854–1856): The Royal Scots fought in the Siege of Sevastopol and were noted for their endurance during the harsh winter conditions.
World War I (1914–1918): The regiment raised 29 battalions and earned 77 battle honours, suffering over 11,000 casualties.
World War II (1939–1945): It served in North Africa, Italy, and Northwest Europe, notably during the D-Day landings and the advance into Germany.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of The Royal Regiment of Foot with other historic British infantry regiments in terms of founding date, battle honours, and lineage.

Regiment	Founded	Key Campaigns	Amalgamation Date	Notable Honours
Royal Regiment of Foot	1633	Thirty Years' War, Napoleonic Wars, WWI, WWII	2006	77 (WWI)
The Queen's Royal Regiment	1661	Peninsular War, Crimean War, WWII	1959	58
Royal Welch Fusiliers	1689	Waterloo, Boer War, WWI	2006	78
King's Own Scottish Borderers	1689	War of Spanish Succession, WWII	2006	53
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders	1794	Crimean War, WWI, WWII	2006	65

The Royal Regiment of Foot consistently ranked at the top in terms of seniority and battlefield experience. Its early founding date gave it precedence over nearly all other regiments, a distinction formally recognized in military protocol. While other regiments matched or exceeded its battle honours, none could rival its unbroken service record from the 17th century to the 21st.

Why It Matters

The legacy of the 1st or The Royal Regiment of Foot endures in modern British military tradition, symbolizing continuity, professionalism, and national identity. Its amalgamation did not erase its contributions but integrated its storied history into a broader Scottish infantry identity.

The regiment set a precedent for regimental loyalty and esprit de corps that influenced the structure of the entire British Army.
Its 373 years of continuous service represent one of the longest unbroken military lineages in European history.
The Royal Scots were among the first British units to adopt modern infantry tactics during the Napoleonic era.
It played a key role in colonial garrison duties across India, Canada, and the Caribbean, shaping British imperial policy.
The regiment’s ceremonial traditions, including uniforms and marches, are preserved in the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Its disbandment in 2006 sparked national debate on military heritage and the preservation of regimental identities.

Today, memorials, museums, and regimental associations keep the memory of the 1st or The Royal Regiment of Foot alive. Its history remains a cornerstone of British military education and a testament to the evolution of infantry warfare.