The famous king known for his establishment of the English Navy was King Henry VIII, who ruled from 1509 to 1547. Henry VIII is often credited with transforming the Royal Navy into a formidable military force. His reign saw the expansion of the fleet and improvements in naval technology, as well as the establishment of ports and shipbuilding facilities. Henry's vested interest in naval power was driven by political ambitions, including the desire to expand England's influence and maintain naval superiority over potential rivals, which laid the foundation for the future strength of the British Empire.