HMS Royal Arthur as flagship, escort, and depot ship

Royal Arthur served as flagship on both the Pacific and Australia stations and escorted the royal yacht Ophir during the opening of Australia's federal parliament. Later assignments included the West Indies, training, and guard duty at Scapa Flow. A large cruiser could move between diplomacy, command, training, local defense, and fleet support. Conversion to a depot ship reused accommodation, magazines, power systems, workshops, and retained armament where shore infrastructure was limited or security uncertain.