The Belgian royals have touched down in Switzerland for their annual skiing holiday. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde gathered their four children for a winter getaway in Verbier – a popular resort with both the royals and celebrities.
Photographed outside their snow-topped chalet, the family appeared to be having a great time together as the King and Queen joined their children Princess Elisabeth, 14, Prince Gabriel, 12, Prince Emmanuel, ten, and seven-year-old Princess Eléonore for a sweet photo before hitting the slopes.
© Photo: RexThe Belgian Royal Family are on their annual skiing holiday in Switzerland
Wrapped up against the cold in colourful ski jackets and hats, the youngsters showed off their skiing skills before having some fun with an impromptu snowball fight.
The royal family appeared to be in their element as they skied down the slopes in tandem, with King Philippe leading the pack in a padded khaki coat while Queen Mathilde followed behind their children.
© Photo: RexThe royals showed off their skiing skills as they hit the slopes in tandem
The King and Queen, who have been married for 16 years, also took a photo together outside their chalet. They both appeared happy and relaxed during their getaway, which is their first official break of the year.
The family getaway comes shortly after it was announced that Queen Mathilde would be joining forces with fellow royal Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and pop royalty Shakira on the United Nations' new global goals initiative. The trio will work together to bring awareness to issues like poverty, climate change and war and conflict.
© Photo: RexKing Philippe and Queen Mathilde took a photo together outside their chalet
"We have to make the goals famous," said Assistant UN Secretary-General Thomas Gass, who hopes to use the women's influence to shine a light on the organization’s 17 sustainable development goals. The campaign has also called on soccer star Leo Messi and actor Forest Whitaker to spread awareness. "Some of those people, they will listen to what Leo Messi has to say, and others will listen to what Crown Princess Victoria has to say… They speak to different parts of society," said Thomas.
