New Zealand acquired HMNZS BLACK PRINCE in 1946 from the British Admiralty. She was the first of two RNZN 'Improved Dido' class cruisers intended to be operated as aircraft carrier escorts. In a combined task group, RNZN Dido-class cruisers could provide anti-aircraft firepower for the RAN's planned carriers. By 1953 BLACK PRINCE had had her wartime anti-aircraft armament of quad-mounted pom poms and 20mm Oerlikons replaced by eight single 40mm Bofors, four on the bridge structure and four amidships.
In 1953 BLACK PRINCE joined the RAN aircraft carrier SYDNEY at Melbourne, where they formed as the ANZAC Squadron. In March they sailed for the United Kingdom to attend celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. SYDNEY had only one squadron of Firefly strike fighters embarked, and BLACK PRINCE was plane guard during flying operations. The spare accommodation was given to the New Zealand and Australia Victoria Cross and George Cross winners, who were all invited to the coronation.
On 15th June the young Queen reviewed her navies, which were assembled at Spithead on the Solent, the historic seaway outside Portsmouth; BLACK PRINCE was New Zealand's representative. After the Royal Fleet Review, BLACK PRNCE stayed in the United Kingdom and the Mediterranean until August undertaking an intense round of training, exercises and visits, including a special visit to Gallipoli.
Before she returned to New Zealand, our cruiser served as flagship of the British contingent that responded to the 1953 Greek Earthquake.
For the South Pacific leg of the Queen's 1953-54 Royal Tour of the Commonwealth, BLACK PRINCE was the Royal Guard ship. After the Royal Tour, BLACK PRINCE resumed the Navy's familiar routine of exercises, training, and deployments.
BLACK PRINCE's active career in the RNZN was relatively short. She reverted to reserve and an alongside-training role in 1956. She was finally sold in 1962.