"Royalist" was converted to an escort carrier squadron flagship immediately on completion, when an extra two twin 20 mm were fitted as well as four single 20 mm. She was the only ship to receive an extensive postwar modernisation ordered for the RN but was later sold to New Zealand. Plans were drawn up to fully modernise the four improved "Dido"s with either four twin 3 inch L70 guns or Mk 6 4.5 inch guns. However, that would have required building new broad beamed "Dido"s (as was seriously considered in 1950–54). This was because the magazines of the "Royalist" type could hold only enough 3 inch ammunition for 3 minutes and 20 seconds of continuous firing. The refit of "Royalist" was shortened and that of "Diadem" abandoned because new steam turbines were regarded as both necessary and unaffordable. "Royalist"′s reconstruction, like that of "Newfoundland", incorporated much of the RN's late 1940s and early 1950s view of a desirable cruiser. "Royalist"′s 5.25 inch armament was given some of the improvements of the final 5.25 inch mounts built for "Vanguard", but not the extra space or power ramming. Also added was a secondary armament of 3 STAAG auto twin 40mm, new 293, 960M radar and Type 275(2 sets) DP fire control for the 5.25 guns, and a lattice mast. ("Royalist" was loaned to the RNZN in 1956, in exchange for "Bellona").