The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte have starred in a new set of family portraits, released by Kensington Palace on Monday. The royals travelled to the French Alps for their first ski holiday as a family-of-four last week.
Posing against a snowy backdrop, William, Kate, George and Charlotte are the picture of happiness.
Doting mum Kate is seen holding her ten-month-old daughter Charlotte in her arms, while fair-haired George stands proudly next to his dad. Wrapped up in snow suits and fluffy bobble hats, the Cambridges look ready for their day out on the slopes.
"This was the first time either of the children had played in the snow," a Kensington Palace spokesperson said
Three additional photos show William, 33, and Kate, 34, frolicking in the snow and throwing snowballs at each other. The spontaneous moment of fun was captured by Press Association photographer John Stillwell and was a welcome break from the formality of their official photocall.
William, who has called his daughter Charlotte "very easy, very sweet", was pictured cradling his baby in another photo. The adorable little Princess giggled at the camera while William cuddled her close.
Kate, 34, and William, 33, showed off their playful sides
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed that William and Kate flew out for a long weekend, and wanted to share the snaps with the public.
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to share new photographs of their family," the spokesperson said. "The images show Their Royal Highnesses enjoying a short skiing holiday with their children in the French Alps.
Baby Princess Charlotte was cradled by her dad William
"This was their first holiday as a family of four and the first time either of the children had played in the snow. It was very special and fun short holiday for the family, and they are grateful that John Stillwell [The PA photographer] was able to capture the moment so well.
"The Duke and Duchess hope people enjoy the photos."
Both William and Kate are excellent skiiers
The Cambridges usually travel to Mustique in January for their annual family holiday, where they are joined by Kate's family the Middletons. This year the royals decided not to, and instead took a break from their official duties in the nearby Alps.
William and Kate are both avid skiiers and no doubt wanted their children to experience their first taste of the snow from a young age.