The Greek government could not complete the purchase of the ship that became Melampus, so Britain absorbed her into the large Apollo order. Prince George, the future George V, commanded and handled the cruiser until his elder brother's death changed his dynastic responsibilities. Machinery trials, compass adjustment, guardship work, and fleet reviews show the routine preparation surrounding the more visible diplomatic assignments. Later, Melampus met Asama and Takasago off Ireland, using a modest warship to welcome and guide foreign naval visitors without an ostentatious battlefleet display.
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Melampus combines royal command training with naval diplomacy
A cruiser first ordered for Greece became Prince George's command and later received visiting Japanese cruisers off Ireland.