Spanish cruiser Reina Regente (1906)

The Reina Regente was a Spanish protected cruiser built in the early 20th century. She was the third ship of that name to serve in the Spanish Navy, succeeding two earlier cruisers that also bore the name Reina Regente. This Reina Regente, built by Vickers in Barrow-in-Furness, England, represented an attempt by Spain to modernize its fleet following the disastrous losses suffered during the Spanish-American War of 1898.

Construction began in 1907 and she was launched in 1906, entering service shortly after. Her design was typical of protected cruisers of the period, featuring a relatively high speed and moderate armament. Her protection scheme relied on an armored deck rather than side armor, making her vulnerable to heavy guns.

The Reina Regente's armament typically consisted of a main battery of 150mm (6-inch) guns, supplemented by smaller quick-firing guns for defense against torpedo boats. She also carried torpedo tubes.

Throughout her career, the Reina Regente served primarily in home waters, participating in fleet exercises and representing Spain at various naval reviews. She saw no major combat action. Technological advancements in naval warfare, particularly the rise of dreadnought battleships and more modern cruisers, gradually rendered her obsolete.

The Reina Regente was eventually decommissioned and scrapped in the 1920s, marking the end of her service in the Spanish Navy. Her career highlights the challenges faced by Spain in rebuilding its naval power after the 1898 war, and the limitations of relying on foreign shipyards for modernization.