The "Daring" class was an evolution of the Battle-class destroyer; larger and with a heavier armament built around three twin turrets. Sixteen "Daring"s were provisionally ordered on 20 July 1944, as part of the 1944 wartime construction programme. "Duchess" was the last of eight to have her order confirmed, on 29 March 1945, the other eight were later cancelled as unnecessary due to the end of World War II. Their size and capability made the ships capable of performing duties previously restricted to light cruisers, and as the destroyer classification was initially considered inappropriate, they were referred to as ""Daring"-class warships" for the first part of their careers.