Another day brings another stop on Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie's mission to support British industry abroad. A day after they brought Berlin's famous Brandenburg Gate square to a standstill, the two sisters moved on to Hanover where mayor Stephan Weil and sizeable crowds were waiting to meet the Queen's two granddaughters.
Inside, the girls beamed as they added their famous signatures to the venue's Golden Book, and in a token of appreciation, Mr Weil presented them with a gift to take back home. As the young royals were representing their country, every detail was taken care of. Beatrice looked elegant in a royal blue coat and vertiginous heels, while Eugenie opted for a classic black dress with lace sleeves. Both are on the continent helping support GREAT, the British Government's initiative to promote the UK abroad. On Thursday, they had enjoyed a slightly less formal event when they travelled in a Mini Cooper, fittingly emblazoned with a Union Jack, from Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate to the British Embassy.
Eugenie, 22, drove the 800 metre distance as her elder sister waved to those who had turned out the greet them. As well its striking design, the car also featured a fun number plate reading 'GR8 BR1TA1N'. The two-day trip marks the start of a year-long promotion of UK industry for the girls, who are now entering the world of work having finished their university education. In July 2012 Eugenie graduated from Newcastle University with a 2:1 in English Literature and Art a year after Beatrice left Goldsmith's University with a 2:1 in History and History of Ideas. They have each taken annual leave from their current jobs to make the trips, Beatrice from her role at a venture capital firm and Eugenie from her art-based work experience. In preparation for the tour, Beatrice was reportedly being briefed during lunch breaks at the company due to her busy work schedule.
Their high-profile role, which was suggested by the government and is not a royal duty, is similar to that which their father also undertook. Prince Andrew was an ambassador of British trade and industry spending ten years travelling the world promoting British business as the United Kingdom's Special Trade Representative. The Queen's son held the post from 2001 until July 2011 when he stepped down to focus more on evolving his role to concentrate on promoting British skills and exports. Beatrice and Eugenie's father and grandmother will no doubt be proud when they return to the UK on Friday evening.
