French frigate Diane (1796)

The Diane was a 40-gun Virginie-class frigate of the French Navy, launched in 1796. She participated in several notable naval engagements during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Her early career involved service in the Atlantic, patrolling and engaging British warships. In 1798, she took part in the French invasion of Ireland, intended to support Irish rebels. The Diane successfully landed troops and supplies but was subsequently intercepted by a Royal Navy squadron off Tory Island and captured on 12 October 1798.

After her capture, the Diane was taken into British service as HMS Diane. She continued to serve in the Royal Navy, seeing action in various theaters, including the Mediterranean. She was eventually broken up in 1815. The Diane's career thus spanned both French and British naval history.