If the UK became a Republic, what would happen to the armed forces?

"Republic" is a boring and inkhorn title, too. Why not go back to "Commonwealth"? I'll admit that "Lord Protector" sounds silly for a 21st century head of state, mind.
AFAIK Lord Protector was the then official name for Regent. So how about calling the head of state Regent or Viceroy?
 
Well, the land forces are already called the British Army, so I suppose the Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy would all drop the "Royal" and replace it with "British."

British Marines, British Air Force, British Navy. Simple as that. For ship names, they might consider British Ship until they head the Americans giggling, at which point they might opt for British Navy Ship, B.N.S.
 
Well the Army is just "The Army" in British references, it's only "the British Army" when mentioned by foreigners.

Note, however, that many Regiments in the Army have "Royal" titles. They'd all have to change.

which is why it's not the 'Royal Army' within the land forces it's regiments and corps that have the Royal titles
 

Nick P

Donor
Given the small size of the Royal Navy they wouldn't have to rename any of the ships bar the new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. There are plenty of historical carrier names that would be suitable - Eagle, Glorious, Illustrious, Invincible, Powerful, Victorious - to give a few good examples.

The Queens Helicopter Flight and No.32 (The Royal) Squadron RAF could be renamed and merged into 32 Squadron (President's Flight).

The British Army poses few problems but most regiments could be renamed using their local areas, perhaps resurrecting old names like the York and Lancaster Regiment, The Welsh Regiment, Green Howards, Kent Yeomanry, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Look at the Childers reforms for ideas. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_Army_regiments_(1881)
 
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