Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were the envy of teenage girls everywhere when they met Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio.

Beatrice, 16, and Eugenie, 14, joined their mother, the Duchess of York, in chatting to DiCaprio at the London premiere of his new film The Aviator.

The 30-year-old actor spent half an hour talking to waiting fans outside the Odeon in London's Leicester Square.

He plays eccentric tycoon Howard Hughes in director Martin Scorsese's film reports BBC online.

Co-star Kate Beckinsale, 31, who plays screen siren Ava Gardner, said it was "nice to be home".

Actress Cate Blanchett, who plays Katharine Hepburn in the film, wore an Yves St Laurent sheer black polka dot dress.

The movie charts the rise and fall of Hollywood director and aviation enthusiast Hughes who became known as one of the world's great eccentrics.

"I first became interested in Howard Hughes' life around eight years ago and I just fell in love with this fascinating character," DiCaprio said.

"He was this iconic American figure who descended into madness and his life was like a great Greek tragedy. I did more preparation for this movie than any I've ever done and I'm very proud of it."

The Aviator has earned six Golden Globe nominations and is also tipped for Oscar success.

Source: Press Release