HDMS Kronprindsens Lystfregat (1785) facts for kids
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The Prince of Denmark's Yacht (fl.1785)
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Denmark-Norway |
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| Name | Kronprindsens Lystfregat ("Crown Prince's Pleasure Yacht") |
| Builder | M/Shipwright Adam Hayes, Deptford Dockyard |
| Laid down | March 1785 |
| Launched | 20 August 1785 |
| Acquired | By gift |
| Commissioned | 4 October 1785 (sailed for Denmark) |
| Fate | Given back to the British after the Battle of Copenhagen |
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Prince Frederick |
| Acquired | Gift from Denmark in 1807 |
| Renamed | HMS Princess Augusta in 1816 |
| Fate | Sold August 1818 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Royal yacht |
| Tons burthen | 218 (bm); 220 by calculation |
| Length |
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| Beam | 23 ft 6 in (7.16 m) |
| Depth of hold | 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m) |
| Complement | 59 officers and crew (Danish service) |
| Armament | 10 × 4-pounder guns (Danish service) |
The HDMS Kronprindsens Lystfregat was a special royal yacht, which is like a luxurious private ship for royalty. It was built in Britain in 1785. King George III of Britain gave this beautiful ship as a gift to his nephew, Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark. Building and furnishing the Kronprindsens Lystfregat cost about £10,347, which was a lot of money back then!
Contents
A Royal Gift from Britain
The Kronprindsens Lystfregat was designed to be a pleasure yacht. This meant it was used for travel and enjoyment by the Danish royal family. It was a symbol of friendship between the British and Danish royal families. The ship was launched in August 1785. It sailed to Denmark in October of the same year.
The Ship Returns to Britain
Years later, in 1807, there was a big conflict. Britain attacked Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. After the battle, the British took many Danish ships. However, they made a special exception for the Kronprindsens Lystfregat.
Instead of taking it as a prize, the Danes sent the yacht back to Britain. They even put 17 captured British sailors on board to sail it. One of these sailors, Captain William Anderson, was put in charge. He sailed the yacht, now called Prince Frederick, back to England. The British Admiralty, which managed the Royal Navy, paid his travel costs. They also gave him 40 guineas as a reward.
A New Name and Purpose
The Royal Navy decided to use the ship as a royal yacht. It was renamed HMS Prince Frederick. This name might have been chosen after one of King George's family members named Frederick.
Later, on July 25, 1816, the ship was officially registered. It was also renamed again to HMS Princess Augusta. This new name honored Princess Augusta, who was King George's second daughter. A famous naval officer, Captain Thomas Hardy, commanded the yacht for three years.
The End of Its Service
The British Admiralty eventually decided to sell the Princess Augusta. It was sold on August 13, 1818, to a person named Thomas Pittman for £500. It seems the ship was not used very much, either in Denmark or in the United Kingdom, before it was sold.
