Attending an annual ski festival over the weekend, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway seemed oblivious – at one point – to the excitement of the sporting action around them. The royal couple seemed only to have eyes for each other, and their affectionate look of love was captured on camera.
Haakon, 41, gazed down at his wife as Mette-Marit, also 41, returned his expression with a caring smile.
The couple, who were attending the Holmenkollen Ski Festival on Sunday, couldn't have seemed more in tune with each other, coordinating in red ski gear and dark sunglasses.
© Photo: RexCrown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway have been married for 13 years
Mette-Marit wrapped up with a floral scarf, and left her blonde glossy locks loose over her shoulders, while Haakon kept warm in a woollen beanie that featured the flag of Norway.
The royals had brought their two young children Princess Ingrid and Prince Sverre to the traditional festival in Oslo, which has been running since 1892. As the family soaked up the competition of ski jumping, cross-country skiing and more, Mette-Marit was pictured kissing her daughter lovingly on the head.
© Photo: RexPrincess Ingrid, pictured with her mum Mette-Marit, is second-in-line to the throne
Haakon and Mette-Marit are big fans of the great outdoors, and often push their children to take part in sporty activities. The group have been supporting Norway's 2015 Outdoor Recreation Year and earlier in January, the royal palace shared never-before-seen photos of the family on a camping adventure.
"We wish we were even better at getting outdoors more, because when we do, it is always a nice experience for the whole family," a caption on their Facebook snaps read, before encouraging locals to "get out" and embrace Norway's beautiful natural landscape.
© Photo: RexThe Norwegian royal family are big fans of sport and the great outdoors
Haakon, who has been married to Mette-Marit for 13 years, has previously spoken about the great relationship the youngsters have with their mother. "Mette has this great talent of connecting with people, so that they open up and feel good," he told national newspaper Dagbladet in a joint interview with his wife.
"Her empathy is a talent. The same thing happens with the children. If they have problems, they go to her. She knows how to deal with them well."
"Thanks Haakon but that isn't completely true," said Mette-Marit. "The children also go to you asking for advice and help."
