FP News Features

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

British princesses take Mini for spin around Berlin landmark, breaking road rules

By: Frank Jordans, The Associated Press

Posted: 01/17/2013 8:26 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 01/17/2013 11:15 AM

The members of the British royal family, Princess Beatrice of York, left, and Princess Eugenie of York, right, pose for the media during a promotion event for the Great Britain MINI Tour 2013 at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013. It was meant to be a Mini adventure that nearly became a major embarrassment. Two British royals on a mission to promote their country broke German road rules by running a red light near Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate. With photographers and police in tow, Princess Eugenie and her older sister Princess Beatrice then took a swift right into the safety of the British embassy compound. At least the 22 and 24-year-old sisters didn't have to decide which side of the road to drive on. The entire 500-meter (550-yard) staged tour was along one-way streets (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

BERLIN - Two British royals on a Mini adventure drove through a red light Thursday on a promotional spin near the German capital's Brandenburg Gate.

With photographers and police in tow, Princess Eugenie, 22, steered a Union Jack-emblazoned model of the iconic car on a 500-meter (550-yard) journey to her country's nearby embassy, seemingly oblivious to road rules.

But Buckingham Palace insisted the blue-blooded driver was simply obeying orders.

"They were following the instructions of the German police," said Hannah Howard, a spokeswoman for the royals.

Ignoring a red light can bring a fine of €200 ($267) and a month's driving ban in Germany.

Eugenie was visiting Berlin with her 24-year-old sister Princess Beatrice — their first trip abroad representing Britain. The trip was paid for by their father Prince Andrew because they are not among the small group of 'working royals' who are paid by the government to represent Britain.

The princesses' trip marks part of a sustained effort by the royal family to shift the spotlight to the next generation, which is spearheaded by Prince William and Prince Harry, who have both been on active military duty in recent years and also have represented their grandmother, the queen, abroad.

Still, few of the tourists visiting the Brandenburg Gate, the iconic symbol of the German capital once sealed off from the West by the Berlin Wall, recognized the princesses.

Tourists seemed bemused when British officials thrust Union Jack flags in their hands to make the welcome appear warmer for a waiting gaggle of photographers.

From Berlin, the royals travel on to Hannover. They are direct descendants of George Ludwig of Hannover, who became King George I of Britain and Ireland in 1714.

The princesses will hope to avoid the controversy that dogged their father during his extended stint as a "special representative" promoting UK trade abroad. Andrew's official role as a business booster was downgraded after he was criticized in the British press for questionable judgment — including his friendship with a financier sentenced for soliciting a minor for prostitution — and for the high costs of his official trips.

The Mini stunt was part of a wider campaign to promote Britain in Germany. The car, first produced in Britain in 1959, is now part of German auto giant BMW's portfolio and was being touted as the perfect example of British-German collaboration.

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More FP News Features

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.