Five Variations on the theme "Rule Britannia" for piano (D major) WoO 79

Why would a composer in Austria write sets of variations on the English anthems 'God save the King' and 'Rule Britannia' in 1803?

'God save the King' was highly popular on the Continent. Many composers chose the melody as a theme for variations, one being the renowned Bach biographer Johann Nicolaus Forkel in 1791. Beethoven thus followed a tradition when he used both melodies to represent the English side in Wellington's Victory (1813). Such a motif, however, can only work if there is a clear connection between the country represented and the music. The music must therefore be well known.

Moreover, Beethoven revered Britain and the British and harboured strong feelings for the island. There he found glory, honour and praise, not to mention generous publishers and philharmonic societies willing to perform his music. 'The English', which for Beethoven meant all British citizens, were an open-hearted nation that he deeply loved.

Both variations, WoO 78 and WoO 79, were composed in the summer of 1803. It might be plain coincidence that in July of that same year Scottish publisher George Thomson asked Beethoven for the first time under what conditions he would be willing to compose sonatas featuring Scottish themes for him.