I don't quite comprehend the connection you are trying to make to the Royal Navy. It was simply the thing to do for lots of people, go to school at the Royal Navy. Feather in the cap sort of thing like going to to West Point or something... gives people officer status. Being subjects of the crown it also showed their loyalty and desire to serve.



Well, you've simply established society connections, Darwin visa vi his grandfather's reputation and work which was being widely read (and influencing young 'evolutionists'), you could say Grant and others patronized Darwin to that effect somewhat... and others who were descended from British Royalty sailing the seas with approval of the crown for the imperial interests of the same, more or less, even if those interests were not in the forefront of their minds. had they discovered a new continent or massive mountains of gold, the queen would have been right there..

If I could truly tell you why every event in my own life happened exactly the way it did, I guess we'd all be that much further ahead. but it's not likely.

From my perspective, I see a certain social climate... the descendents of royals being inducted into the Royal Society and other various fellowships being very much the norm no matter their status otherwise, Darwin coming along carrying on the work of his grandfather just like his children would later carry on his work, and being granted society fellowship on that merit if none other. They are the monied peoples of British society, they give and take to themselves and their heirs cushy positions like professorships, etc because that's simply the way it is. No doubt there may have been a few geniuses living in the London slums who got overlooked but it simply wasn't in the cards for them due to birthright.

Just the climate. Britian was in an aggressive imperialistic stage at the time, sea travel and exploration was the thing for a young man seeking opportunity to do. Writing and selling memoirs was a way to make money. It sure beat working on the docks. Having the society connections to rightfully add an ESQ or Sir Or Duke or professor of sciences to your name simply added to the appeal of the writings and gave them staus, whether truly earned oby work or from the cradle. Idiots have been known to sit on thrones so no wonder about the royal society or even academia in that context, how someone who doesn't seem to have what it takes gets all the right opportunities. Bloodlines is all it takes most of the time. A few lucky ones work their way up here and there.