Formed in the reign of King Charles II on October 28, 1664, as the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot (or Admiral's Regiment), the name "Marines" first appeared in the records in 1672 and in 1802 they were titled the Royal Marines by King George III.

The Royal Marines are a maritime-focused light infantry force of commandos that operate in all environments and climates. They have a regular manpower of 7,420 personnel. Additionally, the Royal Marines have a part-time volunteer reserve force of 970 personnel, giving a total of 8,390 Royal Marines. This makes the Royal Marines the largest force of its type in the European Union.

The Royal Marines motto is: Per Mare, Per Terram, meaning By Sea, By Land.