In 1960 "Royalist" had a major five month refit. It was expected the cruiser would only serve another two and a half years; the New Zealand navy board was seeking loan of a third "Whitby"-class frigate (Type 12) from the Royal Navy However the RN was only just introducing and trialling the improved "Rothesay" class (Type 12M) frigates and was short of effective frigates and cruisers. In February 1964 after HMAS "Voyager" was lost after it collided with the aircraft carrier "Melbourne", the UK offered Australia the "Daring"-class destroyers, HMS "Duchess" (available immediately) and HMS "Defender" then in mid life refit with new MRS3 fire control."Defender" was available to replace "Royalist" from February 1965.