The Royal Mail Steam-Packet Company was incorporated in 1839 by Royal Charter, with a subsidy of ₤240,000. Supplemental charters extending the operations of the Company were granted at intervals, one in 1904 containing an ‘all British’ clause confining control of the Company to British subjects.

In 1857 the Company temporarily took over the carriage of the Australian mails viâ Suez. In 1868 the West Indian Mail Line extended to Colon. In 1869 the South American Main Line was continued to Buenos Aires, developing in 1872 into a fortnightly, and later into a weekly service.

In 1913, services were established from Glasgow, Avonmouth, Cardiff, Hull, London, and Antwerp to the West Indies; and from Newport, Swansea and Antwerp to Brazil; also a line to Cuba from Hull and Antwerp.

The West Indian Mail subsidy, which had dwindled to ₤85,000 a year, was allowed by the British government to lapse in 1905, against the express wishes of the colonies.

In 1908 this company acquired the London to Morocco service (formerly Forwood & Company), and in 1907 acquired interest in Shire Line Steamship Company, running to Straits Settlements, China, and Japan (London Offices (1913): 57 Moorgate Street E.C.).

The fleet in 1913 consisted of 47 steamers, aggregating 228,000 tons.

For routes and fleet list see The Ships List