It's a curious thing how friends often resemble one another, and it seems royals (and statesladies) are no exception. Crown princesses Mathilde and Maxima, on official museum-opening business in Belgium, looked like two super-stylish peas in a pod, while over in New York, Queen Rania and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy looked similarly chummy and chic.

Maybe it's their understated, elegant outfits and sleek coiffures that imparts the soul sister vibe.

Or would that sisterly spirit be just as apparent if these girls were hitting the local shops in jeans and thongs (that's flip-flops to you).

 The two M's certainly did look like two good mates cutting loose for the day...but I wonder what they were giggling about together?

Mathilde expressing her hope for decent ceremonial scissors, perhaps (after all, wrestling a ribbon with blunt scissors doesn't make for an elegant look), with supportive Maxima giving a word of encouragement as she approached the dastardly ribbon.

Meanwhile, over at the 'Superfriends' charity function Carla and Rania looked a little more formal in their relationship.

But with their similar sleek style and Carla's growing involvement in charity work, perhaps their bond will deepen - there's nothing like shared interests to foster friendship....