Commissioned in 1897, Renown appeared at the Diamond Jubilee fleet review and carried the Prince of Wales, making naval display part of her purpose. She briefly joined the Channel Squadron for the July manoeuvres before relieving the protected cruiser Crescent on the North American and West Indies Station. There she became Fisher's flagship. After refit she moved to the Mediterranean and again served his command and social functions. Combat value was only part of this work: Renown also carried a commander and visibly represented British naval power abroad.
Chapter · 22:21-25:58
Renown as a visible instrument of imperial naval power
From the Diamond Jubilee review to the North American, West Indies, and Mediterranean stations, Renown served as a high-profile flagship.