Kate Middleton conducts the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra

Kate Middleton conducts the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra

The Duchess of Cambridge tried her hand at conducting a prestigious symphony orchestra today when she and Prince William visited Hamburg's new concert hall. 

On the last day of their royal tour of Germany, Kate, who comes from a musical family and played flute throughout her school days, took a conductor's baton and directed the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra for a few brief seconds as they played the first four notes of Beethoven's fifth symphony - 'da, da, da, daaa'. 

She and William had joined 250 schoolchildren from all over the city taking part in a session designed to introduce them to musical instruments at the Elbphilharmonie, the city's new landmark venue. 

They sat in an auditorium listening to a performance of the symphony especially adapte d for young people and then went up on stage to learn more about how to play the instruments. 

Kate, 35, leant forward and pointed the baton straight at the orchestra after watching children being coached how to do it and get the best out of the musicians. Earlier, she and William went around the stage accompanying six children trying out different instruments, including a violin, flute, timpani, and trombone.   

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Kate and William had joined 250 schoolchildren from all over the city taking part in a session designed to introduce them to musical instruments at the Elbphilharmonie, the city's new landmark venue, as they prepared to leave Hamburg tonight

Sadly, William, who told reggae star and former Aswad frontman Brinsley Forde 'I'm a bit good on the bass guitar' when presenting him with an MBE two years ago, avoided having a go. 

But Kate showed she was willing to try just about anything. Compere Juri Tetzslaff asked her if she played any instruments and she told him flute. 

'How long did you play the flute?' he asked. 

'Throughout my school years until the age of 18,' the Duchess replied. William, 35, did at least join in with his wife and the children in shaking their raised fists in unison in time to another part of the symphony.

The royal couple were greeted by several thousand people who had turned out to see them as they arrived at the iconic new building in Hamburg's dockside quarter on Friday. 

Opened in January this year, the 'Elphi' was built with the aim of creating a new city landmark. It is one of the biggest concert halls in the world and renowned for its advanced acoustics. 

On a balcony, they gazed out over the River Elbe and its docklands as artistic director Christoph Lieben-Seutter told them about the concert hall and the city. 

They went for an impromptu walkabout to meet hundreds fans inside the venue and then, as planned, met some of the estimated 3,000 people gathered outside. 

Kate takes to the stage as she shows off her conducting skills today at Hamburg's Elbphilarmonie Concert Hall on Friday. One of the largest music halls in the world, the stunning venue is located on the Grasbrook peninsula of the Elbe River

The Duchess of Cambridge directed the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra for a few brief seconds as they played the first four notes of Beethoven's fifth symphony - 'da, da, da, daaa'

The Duchess bravely took the baton from the conductor as she tried her hand at directing the orchestra today. As a teen, Kate was a member of her prep school's Chamber Orchestra and the senior flute group - known as the Tootie-Flooties

The couple sat in an auditorium listening to a performance of the symphony especially adapted for young people and then went up on stage to learn more about how to play the instruments

Not to be outdone by his wife, Prince William also had a go at directing proceedings at the concert hall in Hamburg. Kate, who comes from a musical family and played flute throughout her school days, also took a conductor's baton this afternoon

Kate and William sit down to watch the orchestra play. It's not Kate's first brush with music; friends say she was also deputy head chorister in the chapel choir and was once commended in a BBC carol competition

Royal welcome: The royal couple were greeted by several thousand people who had turned out to see them as they arrived at the iconic new building in Hamburg's dockside quarter on Friday

Kate told one well-wisher, Linda Schroeder, 32: 'It's a fantastic building.'

Asked if she had enjoyed the tour of Poland and Germany, the Duchess replied: 'I've really enjoyed the trip.' 

William told one group of young fans that Prince George, who will be four tomorrow, was gearing up for his birthday celebrations. 

'George has got a big tummy. He'll probably end up eating all his cake by himself,' William said. 

After the walkabout, the couple and their entourage took a boat ride down the Elbe in a pleasure craft called the Senator to the Airbus complex for their final engagement of the five-da y tour. 

Flanked by police in three ribs and a much larger police boat, the royal party were cheered by crowds on the riverside. 

Lucky Kate! The Duchess was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers after touching down at Hamburg's Dammtor station on Friday. They have a busy last day of engagements in the city before flying back to the UK tonight

Throngs of people lined the streets to greet the British royals as they arrived at the Elbphilharmonie concert hall today, fnaked by Hamburg's mayor Olaf Scholz. The couple listened to a concert before Kate tried her hand at conducting

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge admire a model boat during their visit to the Maritime Museum in Hamburg today - their final pit stop before flying back to the UK this afternoon following an action-packed royal tour

The couple are given a private tour of the museum with Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz (second left) as they are shown a core sample from under the sea during their visit to the Maritime Museum today

Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz (far left) and Director of the Maritime Museum, Peter Tamm Jr (far right), give the royals a guided tour of the museum - which also houses a model of the Queen Mary II made entirely of Lego bricks

Earlier, the Duke of Cambridge had a touching reminder of his family history when he came face to face with a model of the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was decommissioned 20 years ago.

The model, which was displayed at Hamburg Maritime Museum, was only finished two days ago but in a stunning coincidence, it was commissioned before anyone realised that the Duke and Duchess were going to visit Hamburg.

'Is that Britannia?' said an astonished William. 'It's beautiful â€" amazing.'

He was shown the model by Christian Hinneborg, 30, grandson of the museum's founder, who said that the 1:96 scale mode l took three months to build.

William admitted he had only been on Britannia a few times, saying: 'I don't know it that well.'  

Asked if there were any mistakes, he joked: 'I will have a careful look. I will get my magnifying glass out! But I'm not an expert. My father, being a naval man, would know. And my grandmother would definitely spot anything. But it is the most wonderful model.'

A painstakingly-constructed scale model of a ship, suspended in mid-air, hangs over Kate and William as they listen to a guide during their tour of the museum today. Their visit marks the joint UK-German year of science in 2017

Boys and their toys! William couldn't hide his delight as he tried his hand at steering a ship in a VR  cargo ship simulator at the Maritime Museum today, while fellow guests including Kate collapsed into giggles

Fascinating history of the Royal Yacht Britannia

The Britannia was designed to replace the Victoria and Albert III during the reign of King George VI.

The Royal Yacht Britannia in Venice during the Prince and Princess of Wales' Italy visit in 1985, 12 years before it was decommissioned

After the King's death in 1952, the new Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, personally approved plans prepared by architect Sir Hugh Casson and chose furniture, fabrics and paintings for the yacht.

Launched in April 1953 at John Brown's Clydebank Shipyard - it travelled 1,087,623 nautical miles, calling at more than 600 ports, in 135 countries.

But, in June 1994, the Government announced that the ship would be taken out of service. At the beginning of January 1997, Britannia set sail from Portsmouth to Hong Kong on its last and longest voyage.

On December 11 that year it was decommissioned at Portsmouth Naval Base in the presence of the Queen, the Duke and 12 senior members of th e Royal Family.

Britannia served the Queen for 44 years, carrying her and the royal family on 968 official voyages. 

Asked by William why it had been built, Mr Hinneborg said he was 'passionate' about royal and state yachts.  

He said afterwards: 'It was finished two days ago. We ordered it without knowing that the Duke and Duchess were coming to Hamburg. It is a coincidence that it just got finished.'

In an impromptu addition to their museum tour, the Duke and Duchess tried their hand at the cargo ship simulator, which allows visitors to experience what it is like to navigate a ship into Hamburg harbour.

'Let's see if I can hit that yacht!' joked William as he took the wheel.

He may have had the wheel, but the volunteer i n charge of the simulator, Hans Trey, put Kate in charge and got her to sound the fog horn. 'He is just the helmsman,' he told her. 'You are the captain.' 

Auf Wiedersehen! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wave to onlookers aboard their boat as they prepare to travel down the River Elbe towards the headquarters of Airbus in Hamburg

The Royal party set off down the River Elbe towards their final stop. After their final engagement in Hamburg today they will board a plane back to the UK. The family will no doubt be celebrating Prince George's fourth birthday tomorrow

Kate tries on a virtual reality headset for the second time this week as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the headquarters of Airbus in Hamburg - their final engagement before flying back to the UK tonight

The Duchess dissolved into giggles as she tried on the Airbus VR headset today. The couple and their entourage took a boat ride down the Elbe in a pleasure craft called the Senator to the Airbus complex for their final engagement of the five-day tour

The Duchess smiled as she took a closer look at four-year-old Maja's cuddly toys - perhaps taking inspiration for Prince George's birthday tomorrow. The third-in-line to the throne, who is also in Germany this week, will also be turning four

Kate meets local Bartek Kolodziej and four-year-old Maja outside Hamburg's Dammtor station this afternoon. After their concert trip, they went for an impromptu walkabout to meet hundreds fans inside the venue and then, as planned, met some of the estimated 3,000 people gathered outside

The Duchess stoops down to say hello to a little boy who joined thousands of locals gathered in the streets of Hamburg to catch a glimpse of the royals. Kate has been dubbed the new 'Princess of Hearts' by the German media

Guten tag, Hamburg! The Cambridges arrive at the Maritime Museum in the German city today where they will celebrate the joint UK-German year of science which, for 2017, is focused on oceans

Afterwards he said: 'They did a wonderful job. He wanted to go at full speed, but we would have told him later on to stop the ship. He knew exactly how to steer â€" I didn't have to tell him.' 

The couple were also shown a 6.9 metre long Lego model of the liner Queen Mary II, and met a group of scientists working on a variety of ocean-related projects, part of the UK-German Year of Science.

Tim Eder, a government official who told the couple about a schools project about plastic waste in the ocean, said: 'They expressed their concern about single use plastic bags.' 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rounded off an action-pack ed two days in the German capital last night with a glittering reception at Berlin's Clärchens Ballhaus.

And on Friday morning the couple looked to be in excellent spirits as they bid auf wiedersehen to Berlin and boarded their train to Hamburg, their final pit stop. 

A royal welcome: Crowds once again lined the streets in Hamburg today as Kate-mania continues to sweep the country. The couple have been received warmly at every pit stop, with one local woman planting a kiss on Kate's hand yesterday

British charm:  The Duke has impressed locals by speaking in Polish and German this week; Kate, by contrast, was forced to apologise to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday after admitting she did not speak German

Kate pulled out all the stops for the final day of her royal tour, with a custom Emilia Wickstead creation. Hamburg is Germany's second largest city whose links with the UK go back to the in the 13th century according to Kensington Palace

Royally good style: Kate's clutch is believed to be Anya Hindmarch red snakeskin; similar styles can cost anything from £300 upwards. The Duchess, who love to recycle accessories, has debuted a whole wardrobe of new designer pieces this week

The couple were once again perfectly colour-coordinated, with both adding purple hues to their outfits. Kate was also showing off her new 'Kob' hairstyle, with loose bouncing curls flattering her face shape

Kate, 35, wore an A-line lavender dress this morning, paired with a small red clutch, as she waved to crowds at Berlin Hauptbahnho station.

Prince George, who turns four tomorrow, and younger sister Princess Charlotte were nowhere to be seen. 

On arrival in Hamburg this afternoon, the Duke and Duchess celebrated the joint UK-German year of science which, for 2017, is focused on oceans at the city's Maritime Museum.

Accompanied by Mayor of Hamburg, Olaf Scholz, the couple were given a private tour of the museum where they were shown various displays including a core sample from under the sea.

They later travelled to the Elbphilarmonie Concert Hall to listen to a special performance given by the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra for the children of Hamburg in the Elbphilarmonie.

One girl is overcome with a bout of shyness as William greets crowds and spectators outside Hamburg's Dammtor station

Royal watchers were quick to spot that Kate's dress was Emilia Wickstead - with similar styles costing around £750. The Duchess' stylist Natasha Archer has pulled out all the stops with the royal's wardrobe this week

For their final engagement before flying back to the UK, the couple toured the Airbus training facilities and met with apprentices, before viewing the final assembly line of an A320 aircraft.

Last night, the Duchess dazzled in a sold-out gown by Markus Lupfer at a glittering reception at one of the city's oldest remaining ballrooms where she rubbed shoulders with stars including Sam Riley and Game of Thrones star Tom Wlaschiha. 

Brimming with pride, the German designer wrote on Facebook last night: 'Fit for a princess: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge wows in our Wild Sparrow Dress at a reception tonight in Berlin.' < /p>

The event offered a chance for Kate and William to meet faces from the world of art, culture, style, fashion and technology on the final evening of their five-day charm offensive in Germany and Poland.

Opened in 1913, Clärchens is one of the last remaining old ballrooms in Berlin with Thursday night's star-studded reception held in its opulent mirrored hall. 

The Duke of Cambridge had a touching reminder of his family history when he came face to face with a model of the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was decommissioned 20 years ago.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are greeted by Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz (left) and Peter Tamm Jr, the museum director. Temporary railings had to be put up to hold back crowds of well-wishers who came to catch a glimpse of the royals

The Duchess wore a lavender dress from Emilia Wickstead with a flared skirt, paired with a small red clutch, as she boarded a train from Berlin to Hamburg on Friday morning - rounding off an action-packed few days in the German capital

The model, which was displayed at Hamburg Maritime Museum, was only finished two days ago.

However in a stunning coincidence, it was commissioned before anyone realised that the Duke and Duchess were going to visit Hamburg. 'Is that Britannia?' said an astonished William. 'It's beautiful â€" amazing.'

He was shown the model by Christian Hinneborg, 30, grandson of the museum's founder, who said that the 1:96 scale model took three months to build.

William said he had only been on Britannia a few times. 'I don't know it that well.'

Asked if there were a ny mistakes, he joked: 'I will have a careful look. I will get my magnifying glass out! But I'm not an expert. My father, being a naval man, would know. And my grandmother would definitely spot anything. But it is the most wonderful model.'

Asked by William why it had been built, Mr Hinneborg said he was 'passionate' about royal and state yachts.

He said afterwards: 'It was finished two days ago. We ordered it without knowing that the duke and duchess were coming to Hamburg. It is a coincidence that it just got finished.'

Charming the locals: Kate has been dubbed the new 'Princess of Hearts' by the German media, as royal fever sweeps the nation. Local newspapers and TV gave blanket coverage to the the Duke and Duchess' three day visit to the country

The couple chat to their hosts as they arrive at Hauptbahnhof on Friday morning. Later, they will travel to the Elbphilarmonie Concert Hall to listen to a special performance given by the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra for the children of Hamburg

In an impromptu addition to their museum tour, the Duke and Duchess tried their hand at the cargo ship simulator, which allows visitors to experience what it is like to navigate a ship into Hamburg harbour.

'Let's see if I can hit that yacht!' joked William as he took the wheel.

He may have had the wheel, but the volunteer in charge of the simulator, Hans Trey, put Kate in charge and got her to sound the fog horn. 'He is just the helmsman,' he told her. 'You are the captain.'

Afterwards he said: 'They did a wonderful job. He wanted to go at full speed, but we would have told him later on to stop the ship. He knew exactly how to steer â€" I didn't have to tell him.'

The couple were also shown a 6.9 metre long Lego model of the liner Queen Mary II, and met a group of scientists working on a variety of ocean-related projects, part of the UK-German Year of Science.

Tim Eder, a government official who told the couple about a schools project about plastic waste in the ocean, said: 'They expressed their concern about single use plastic bags.'

All smiles: Kate looked to be in good spirits as she boarded her train to Hamburg. Royal watchers noted that the couple were looking more in love together last night as they jointly attended the glittering Berlin bauhaus reception

Best foot forward: The Duchess appeared to be wearing her £470 Gianvito Rossi suede heels in the 'praline' colorway, an old favourite which she also wore on Monday when she touched down in Warsaw with her family in tow

Fresh-faced Kate! The Duchess displayed no signs of exhaustion this morning despite a whirlwind week of non-stop engagements in Germany and Poland - as well as spending time with two-year-old Charlotte and George, three

 

Security was tight at Berlin Hauptbahnho this morning, with a heavy police presence as dozens of well-wishers waved off the royals after a successful two days in the city. Prince George, who turns four tomorrow, and younger sister Princess Charlotte were nowhere to be seen

The Duchess' dress today is custom Emilia Wickstead, one of her favourite British designers, and not available to buy. She paired it with her £470 Gianvito Rossi heels and a red clutch which Kate-watchers are currently scrambling to identify

Kate and William could be seen chatting to their hosts as they prepared to wave goodbye to the German capital on Friday. On arrival in Hamburg this afternoon, the Duke and Duchess will celebrate the joint UK-German year of science

Quick change: This is Kate's fourth outfit in just 24 hours and she is likely to change again today before heading home. Following their visit to a traditional German food market yesterday, she switched from Jenny Packham to Hugo Boss

Coiffed to perfection: The Duchess has been showing off her new 'Kob' or Kate bob on the tour, after chopping a good six inches off her flowing locks. The couple are no doubt looking forward to spending some quality time with George and Charlotte as they celebrate the Prince's birthday tomorrow

Kate's flattering fit-and-flare skirt showed off her tiny waist while the nude heels - an old favourite of the Duchess - give the illusion of longer legs. Clearly visible on her left hand was her 18ct sapphire engagement ring which once belonged to Diana

Kate opted for a gown by German designer Markus Lupfer paired with a silver chain belt, pearl bracelets and the same pair of nude Prada stilettos as she rubbed shoulders with stars including Sam Riley and Game Of Thrones actor Thomas Wlaschiha. 

Yesterday afternoon, Prince William punched the air in delight as he secured an against-the-odds win in a boat race against his wife in the town of Heidelberg. 

Following their visit to a traditional German food market on Thursday morning, Kate made a quick change out of her custom Jenny Packham dress, slipping into a casual blue and white striped to p by Hugo Boss teamed with skinny jeans and her favourite Superga trainers.

And William removed his jacket and put on a pair of blue trainers with a luminous yellow Nike swoop. 

Prior to their boat, race the couple enjoyed a tour of a traditional market where they were able to make some sugary treats for their children. 

The look of love: Last night the couple, who have been married for six years, could be seen gazing into each other's eyes during the Bauhaus reception in Berlin. On Friday they travelled on to Hamburg before heading back to the UK

Green with envy: Kate dazzled in a bottle green number at last night's reception at Berlin's Clärchens Ballhaus to round off a whirlwind two days in Germany where she has sipped local beer and tried out her pretzel making skills

Dressing for the occasion: Last night's event in the German capital offered a chance for Kate and William to meet fresh faces in the world of art, culture, style, fashion and technology before flying back to the UK tomorrow afternoon

The couple are welcomed by Mistress Ford and Mistress Page at Thursday night's reception with creatives at Claerchens Ballhaus. Opened in 1913, Clärchens is one of the last remaining old ballrooms in Berlin

William waves to onlookers as the pair make their way to the venue last night. The couple's five-day visit to Germany and Poland has so far being a roaring success, with throngs of royal fans lining the streets to greet them wherever they go

The pair are greeted by staff before being given a short tour of the ballroom ahead of Thursday night's reception. It is one of the last remaining ballrooms in Berlin, and played host to some of the most creative and innovative names in the world of art

 

Charming the locals: The Berliner Zeitung said pictures of Kate cuddling children during a visit to a children's charity in Berlin on Wednesday were 'reminiscent of the warmth of heart which before Kate only William's mother, Diana, could radiate'

New style: The Duchess has been showing off her new 'Kob' or 'Kate bob' on the tour, after chopping a good six inches off her flowing locks. Earlier today, the couple had the opportunity to taste some of the local beer in Heidelberg

The new hairstyle, around six inches off the overall length, created a real buzz when it first made an appearance at Wimbledon and was soon dubbed the 'Kob'. The chop revealed last week even seemed to be a few inches shorter than its first outing

Guests of honour: The royals have been warmly received on every stop of their five-day tour of Poland and Germany so far and, on Wedneday, thousands lined the Pariser Platz to catch a glimpse of the royals as they visited Brandenburg Gate

The couple clap as they listen to a speech during Thursday night's glittering reception. Clearly visible on Kate's left hand was her sapphire engagement ring which once belonged to the Princess of Wales, which she teamed with pearl bracelets

The couple bid goodbye to their host before leaving. German newspapers and TV have given blanket coverage to the the Duke and Duchess's three day visit to the country which began on Wednesday, and has been nicknamed 'die Charmeoffensive'

Auf Wiedersehen! The Duchess is seen smiling as she leaves the reception tonight with William. The couple's children George and Charlotte, believed to be back at their Berlin residence with their nanny tonight, have made very few appearances

Kate waves goodbye after a short appearance at tonight's reception. Opened in 1913, Clärchens is one of the last remaining old ballrooms in Berlin with Thursday's star-studded reception being held in its opulent mirrored hall

By royal appointment: A bracelet fit for a Princess

Eagle-eyed Kate watchers have spotted that the Duchess' bracelet last night once belonged to William's late mother, the Princess of Wales.

Diana wore the three-strand pearl bracelet almost 30 years ago, with her iconic Catherine Walker pearl-studded strapless gown during a 1989 trip to Hong Kong, according to royal jewellery expert Order of Spendor.

Last night, Kate (right) wore a bracelet that royal watchers believe once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales (left, as seen in 1989)

Of course, it is not the only heirloom she inherited from Diana; her 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring is the same one that the Prince of Wales used to propose with in 1981.

During their 2010 engagement interview William said of his choice of ring: 'Obviously, [Diana is] not going be around to share in all the fun and excitement, so this is my way of keeping her close to it all.'

No hard feelings! Kate and William pose for a photo after the Duchess' team was beaten by her husband's, despite having an Olympic rower on her side. The Duchess turned once again to her trusty £55 Superga trainers yesterday

On Thursday, the Duchess changed out of her yellow lace dress into a blue and white striped top from Hugo Boss and skinny jeans to take part in a boat race - narrowly missing out on a win despite being paired with an Olympic athlete

She may have been trounced by her husband in the race, but Kate was no sore loser. The royal couple also had a go at making sweets with Jens Meier, owner of Heidelberger Bonbon Manufaktur, in Heidelberg on Thursday

Cheers! The Duchess raises a stein after the race with the Mayor of Heidelberg, Eckart Wuerzner. She was showcasing a more casual look yesterday after a week of show-stopping bespoke designer pieces from Jenny Packham and Catherine Walker

Consolation prize: The Duchess was presented with a stein of beer after the race and after all that hard work she was doubtless in need of a sip! However she seemed happy enough with her medal

The Duke and Duchess looked as loved-up as ever as they shared a giggle after today's rowing race. Kate, 35, opted for a casual look with her striped Breton top from Hugo Boss, paired with her trusty skinny jeans

The couple shared an affectionate moment after racing each other down the River Neckar in opposing teams in the competitive race between the twinned town of Cambridge and Heidelberg on Thursday

The Duchess looked animated as she recounted her racing tale after being beaten by her husband's team. Despite their sporting rivalry, the couple were all smiles when they were presented with medals after the race

Kate spent several minutes taking tips from her teammate before setting off. The Duchess admitted she was 'worried about crashing' and indicated with her hands that she feared zig zagging along the water

Asked how they had done, Melanie said: 'Not too bad. It's always hard when you get it for the first time. You have to be quick.

The royal couple walked around the market square in the centre of the university town of Heidelberg, where a special market had been set up to mark their visit and celebrate the close ties between the town and Cambridge in the UK. 

William and Kate also tried their hand at making a tasty treat popular in Germany - pretzels. They were given a lesson by Heidelberg baker Andreas Gobes, who showed them how to roll out the pastry into long sausage shapes and then flick and cross them over in one movement to create the snack 's classic shape.

Kate managed to get it right first time but William struggled to get the hang of the flick and crossover. 

The royals chat with Baden-Wuerttemberg's State Premier Winfried Kretschmann (right) and Heidelberg's Mayor Eckart Wuerzner (left) on Thursday, on the Old Bridge in the historic center of Heidelberg

The couple were accompanied through the historic centre of Heidelberg, with Baden-Wuerttemberg's State Premier Winfried Kretschmann (second right) his wife Gerlinde (right), Heidelberg's Mayor Eckart Wuerzner (second left) and his wife Janine

Once again crowds lined the street and waved the Union Jack to greet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge yesterday. Kate tied her newly cropped locks back in a ponytail and donned a pair of Ray Bans ahead of the race

'Can you do that again?' he asked Mr Gobes,but after a further demonstration, the future King still seemed unsure. 

'Just like that,' he said, sarcastically. But after two or three more tries, he managed it.

Mr Gobes, part of a guild whose members put on the pastry display, said: 'Catherine was a little bit more talented than William but they both did a great job.

'This type of pretzel is a speciality for the region so we wanted to show them that. In this region it has a special shape - thin arms and a thick body - with salt and it's a red brown colour.'

Located on the riverside and overlooked by the ruins of its famous castle, the central market square boasts a traditional market serving local food and drink. 

On their gastronomical tour, the couple tasted Heidelberg herbal lemonade, tried some local fruit, and ordered a hot dog to try over lunch in the town hall.

Two grinning boys cheekily flicked the V sign at the camera in Heidelberg's traditional market square yesterday as they posed for a photo with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 

The Duchess has been showing off her new 'Kob' or Kate bob on the tour, after chopping a good six inches off her flowing locks. The couple also had the opportunity to taste some of the local beer during their gourmet tour

'Is that hot dogs?' William asked and when invited to try one, he said: 'Why not?' 

When told it was bratwurst, he added: 'We have to have bratwurst.'

In the square, kilted locals in a Scottish pipe band, the Heidelberg and District Pipes and Drums, had entertained the crowds before the royal party's arrival.

William was reminded of the close cultural ties between the UK and this part of Germany when he met the mother of one of his work colleagues at East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Tobias Gauss, 42, a doctor with the service in Cambridge, had warned William that he might see his mother, Elona Apple, 67, in Heidelberg so he knew who she was straight away.

'Tobias has told him three or four days ago that he might meet me here so he knew who I was,' she said.

Duke of Cambridge, and his wife Kate share a laugh with Andreas Goebes (right) of the bakers guild Heidelberg, as they form pastry into prezels under the eyes of Heidelberg Mayor Eckart Wuerzner

The couple looked every inch the polished royals as they made their way to the German Cancer Research Institute for a visit (left). It was a rainy morning, but Kate added a splash of colour to proceedings in a yellow lace dress by Jenny Packham

Sweet treat! William admitted that George and Charlotte would be delighted when they brought home the goodies later. The couple were also shown a huge cake during their tour of the market with Heidelberg Mayor Eckart Wuerzner yesterday

Kate appears to gently tease her husband as he has a go at making pretzels on a visit to a raditional German market in the Central Square of Heidelberg, but she gave him encouragement with a round of applause 

William and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, listen to explanations by Andreas Goebes (right) of the Heidelberg Bakers' Guild. William looked proud of his efforts after a brief lesson in pretzel-making

Over the past few day's she's proved herself a real pro at so-called diplomatic dressing and earlier today, the Duchess of Cambridge pulled it off again as she channeled the gold of the German flag for a visit to the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg.

It was an overcast morning, but Kate brought a ray of sunshine to proceedings in the bespoke lace number by Jenny Packham, which she paired with her trusty nude espadrille wedges from Monsoon, and a small clutch in a matching shade.

The visit was a chance for the couple to see the world acclaimed work being carried out at the German Cancer Research Centre, where hundreds of locals had turned out to greet the royal couple on the second day of their tour.

Inside, British stem cell biologist Dr. Michael Milsom, 42, originally from Chesterfield, showed the couple around one of the laboratories.

William and Kate spent some time with Nobel Prize winner Dr Harald zur Hausen during the visit to the Cancer Centre on Thursday. Spectators positioned themselves in the window to get a good view of the visiting royals

The Duchess decided to rely on an old favourite, her trusty wedges from Monsoon for Thursday's engagements. Her dress was a custom Jenny Packham number which has drawn comparisons to a Lela Rose gown worn by Ivanka Trump this week

The Duchess had an opportunity to find out more about the work of lab researchers and look at cells through the microscope in the lab as she donned a white jacket during their tour of the cancer research centre on Thursday

He said, 'It's really helpful to have a visit from the Duke and Duchess as they publicise the importance of work we do here.

'The UK and Germany are leaders in this field of stem cell research,' said the expert who has been based in Heidelberg for seven years. 

He told William and Kate about the latest developments in stem cell research.

The Leeds University graduate, told them how his team focuses on the question whether and how an accumulation of DNA damage in stem cells is the causes for ageing of an organ system.

Such damage may cause exhaustion of the stem cell pool and loss of the organ's capacity to regenerate. The work is particularly important in research into leukaemia.

The couple round off their time in Berlin with a party in honour of the Queen's birthday. Yesterday, the Duke and Duchess renewed their sporting rivalry when they took part in a rowing race in the town of Heidelberg, twinned with Cambridge

Royal fever! In Berlin on Wednesday, crowds waves and take photos as Kate makes her way to the Brandenburg Gate, accompanied by Private Secretary Rebecca Deacon - echoing the rockstar welcome they received in Gdansk yesterday

The couple wave to well-wishers as they visit the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the most recognisable symbol of Germany, both as a divided nation in the bleak days of the Cold War and as one of the powerhouses of Europe in its post-1990 reunified state

Welcome to Germany! As the royals touched down at Tegel Airport in Berlin on Wednesday afternoon, two-year-old Princess Charlotte looked happy with her mini bouquet, but her older brother seemed to be feeling a little grumpy

On their last day in Poland, the Duke and Duchess visited the former Stutthof Concentration Camp where they met with Holocaust survivors (pictured). Kate and William described their visit on Tuesday as a 'terrible reminder of the cost of war'

Cheers! The couple toast to a successful first day in Poland at a party held in the Queen's honour on Monday night. Kate showcased Polish fashion in a dress by designer Gosia Baczyńska at the party in held at the Orangery in Lazienki Park

After arriving in Poland on Monday, the Duke and Duchess were treated to a welcoming ceremony at the Polish presidential palace in Warsaw alongside President Andrzej Duda (second right) and his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda (far right)

The couple touched down at Warsaw Airport on Monday, kicking off their Polish royal tour. At one point Prince William could be seen leaning down to say a few words to his son, who looked a little overwhelmed by the occasion

Kate has been dubbed the new 'Princess of Hearts' by the German media, as royal fever sweeps the nation.

German newspapers and TV gave blanket coverage to the the Duke and Duchess's three day visit to the country which began yesterday, and has been nicknamed 'die Charmeoffensive'.

The Berliner Zeitung said pictures of the Duchess cuddling children during a visit to a children's charity in Berlin yesterday were 'reminiscent of the warmth of heart which before Kate only William's mother, Diana, could radiate.'

In a headline it said, 'Fur die kids ist sie the Prinzessin der Herzen' meaning 'For the kids she is the Princess of the heart.'

On a visit to the charity Straßenkinder, which supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds, both William and Kate were mobbed by small children as they bestowed hugs and high fives to excitable fans.

The Duchess was the centre of attention, with several children throwing themselves into her arms for a cuddle.

The royal Poland and Germany itinerary in full

MONDAY 17TH JULY 

The couple were greeted by President Duda and the First Lady at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw.

. Warsaw Rising Museum

The couple visited the museum dedicated to the uprising against the occupying Germans in 1944, where they will meet veterans and lay a wreath.

. Young Entrepreneur's Reception

William and Kate joined a tech market-place event, and pitching sessions from UK Polish entrepreneur at the Heart in the Warsaw Spire Building.

. Garden Party, The Orangery, Łazienki Park

William made a short speech at the event held in honour of his grandmother the Queen.

TUESDAY 18TH JULY 

Kate and William, accompanied by former President of Poland Lech Walesa (far right) pay their respects at the Solidarity Monument during a tour of the European Solidarity Movement museum in Gdansk, their final engagement on Poland on Tuesday afternoon

. Stutthoff Concentration Camp

The couple met with a group of five former prisoners of the Camp, which was the first set up outside German borders in 1939.

. Town Market, Gdansk

Kate and William travelled to Gdansk where they attended a street party in the central market square.

. Gdansk Shakespeare Theatre

The Duke and Duchess visited the theatre and attended a reception inside the theatre.

< p class="mol-para-with-font">. European Solidarity Movement

They toured the museum, and met with founding members of Solidarit, before walking through the iconic shipyard gates, and leaving a wreath at the foot of the Solidarity Monument.

WEDNESDAY 19TH JULY 

The family wave goodbye to Poland after two days in the country, before flying to Germany for an action-packed three days, before leaving on Friday. The royals are seen here headed for Berlin where they will visit the Holocaust Memorial and the Brandenburg Gate

. Arrival in Berlin and official welcome

. Visit to the Brandenburg Gate

. Holocaust Memorial

The couple met with Holocaust survivors and tour the museum before walking through the Memorial itself.

. Stra(ss)enkinder

The charity supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, some of whom the couple met on Wednesday.

The Duke and Duchess are greeted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the chancellery in Berlin. The diplomatic Duchess donned Cornflower blue to meet with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who looked smart in a turquoise jacket and white trousers

. Bellevue Palace Gardens

William and Kate met with the Federal President.

. Queen's Birthday Garden Party, Ambassador's Residence

William gave a speech at the event held in honour of his grandmother. The Duke and Duchess met guests from the worlds of business and culture, as well as representatives of the British Community in Germany.

THURSDAY 20TH JULY < /span>

Dressed in a vibrant yellow Jenny Packham gown, Kate joins William for a visit to the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg on Thursday after travelling from Berlin. Their five-day tour of Poland and Germany has been widely viewed as a 'Brexit charm offensive'

. German Cancer Research Institute

William and Kate met Nobel Prize winner prof. Dr. Harald zur Hausen, and visited the stem cell research lab.

. Traditional German market, Heidlberg

The pair were given a tour of the traditional market by the Mayor of Heidlberg and tried out local delicacies.

The Duke and Duchess with Eckart Würzner, Mayor of Heidelberg, after competing in a rowing race between the German town and the City of Cambridge. Kate donned a £69 Hugo Boss top paired with skinny jeans and her favourite £55 Superga trainers

. Rowing race

The couple took part in a competitive race between the twinned town of Cambridge and Heidelberg.

. Reception at Clärchens Ballhaus

A reception was held at the last original dancehall in Berlin for some of the most exciting new names in the world of art, culture, style, fashion and technology.

FRIDAY 21ST JULY 

. Maritime Museum, Hamburg

The Cambridges boarded a train to Hamburg where they will celebrate the joint UK-German year of science which for 2017 is focused on oceans at the Maritime Museum.

. Elbphilarmonie Concert Hall

A special performance given by the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra for the children of Hamburg.

. Visit to Airbus

After a tour of the training facilities, the pair will meet apprentices and view the final assembly line of an A320 aircraft.

. Official departure from Hamburg 

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