200 Years: Royal Navy Escort to Rio

200 years ago the Napoleonic plague was spreading like wildfire across Europe. The Royal Navy escorted the Portuguese Court to Rio de Janeiro. An ally was in need for help, and the Royal Navy stood up for her with service.



On March 8, 1808, the Royal Navy escort arrived in Rio de Janeiro with the Portuguese Court, and Rio de Janeiro became the capital of Portugal.

The Portuguese Regent, Dom João, later Dom João VI, sets foot in Rio.

The bicentennary is celebrated this spring.