Beaming against a picture-perfect ocean backdrop, holding her son in her arms, Princess Madeleine of Sweden couldn't look more thrilled to be on holiday. The royal mum shared the delightful photos of her children, seven-month-old Prince Nicolas and Princess Leonore, 23 months, at the Soneva Fushi resort in the Maldives.
© Photo: FacebookPrincess Madeleine shared a family holiday album on Facebook
With the family enjoying their beach break in their own private villa on the isle of Kunfunadhoo, royal watchers probably spotted that Leonore is the image of her British father Chris O'Neill while her little brother takes more after their mother.
As the four of them played in the sand and frolicked in the water, the Swedish princess must have been glad to spend quality time with her financier husband, who has been working hard in recent years to build up his business.
© Photo: FacebookThe family are in the Maldives
In an interview last year, Chris addressed his occasional absences from royal engagements, saying: "It is me who puts food on the table. I must first and foremost think of our little family.
"My job doesn't allow me to decide if I can attend an official engagement one month before it happens."
Aware of the interest in their growing family, King Carl Gustaf's daughter has shared personal photos while maintaining a level of privacy for her children.
For example, just before Christmas the doting mum posted a cute photo of her little Prince visiting Santa's grotto.The last time the public caught a glimpse of Nicolas and his big sister was in October at his christening.
© Photo: FacebookHer son Nicolas is seven months old
The couple live in London after moving from New York, where they met, for her husband's career. Another advantage for Madeleine who admits to being shy is the possiblity of being more anonymous away from her native Sweden.
Despite growing up in the limelight, the royal has said she doesn't like being "the centre of attention".
© Photo: FacebookNicolas' big sister Leonore is two in February
"I've had this all my life," Madeleine said during a television appearance on Norwegian-Swedish talk show Skavlan. "One would think, and maybe expect, that I'd be comfortable in front of people, photographers and journalists who ask questions. But I'm really not, I'm quite shy."
"I don't like being the centre of attention," she added. "But as an official person I am, this is something I have to deal with. I'm struggling with it. I'm working on it!"
