Following the release of new Cambridge family photo album in the French Alps, we look back at the royals’ fond love of the snow!
They’re the relaxed snaps the world can’t stop talking about! From Princess Charlotte’s adorable pink beanie to Prince George’s trademark pout, and of course William and Kate’s competitive side as they have a snow fight.
Indeed, the slopes hold a special place for the Cambridges and it’s no surprise their first holiday as a family of four was here.
In a case of history repeating itself, almost 25 years ago, Prince William and his younger brother Prince Harry joined their mum, Princess Diana, for a half-term skiing holiday in Austria.
No doubt the 33-year-old royal wants to honour his late mother’s love of skiing and create precious moments for his little ones.
“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 (PA photographer) John Stillwell was able to capture the moment so well. The Duke and Duchess hope people enjoy the photos,” Kensington Palace explained as they released the six new images.
Click through to take a look back through at our archive of the British royals’ love affair with skiing!
Kensington Palace made a royally adorable move after sharing multiple snaps of Prince William and wife Catherine’s very first holiday as a family of four with their two kids, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Prince George, already two, is growing up so fast and turning into his father’s mini-me. In 1986, Wills was all about staying warm in a cosy onesie (R).
We see where William’s “little monkey” gets his cheeky side from! All the way back in 1991, a baby-faced Wills showed the world how much he adored the snow.
A new family tradition: Just like Prince Harry and Prince William looked forward to spending vacations away with their darling cousins, Eugenie and Beatrice (pictured here during their Switzerland ski holiday in 1995), little Charlotte and George can expect many escapes to the snow with loved ones.
The new photos made one thing very clear, ten-month-old Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge is the spitting image of her grandmother, the late Princess Diana (pictured on the left at her first birthday party). The pair share the same pretty almond eyes and rosy cherub cheeks (made famous by her big brother Prince George!)
Slope style: Catherine and Diana both work snug red parkas for the chilly climes.
The proud mother once revealed: “I live for my sons. I would be lost without them.” Diana absolutely cherished her holidays with hers boys.
Just like her mother-in-law, the smile of Catherine’s face shows how happy she is to be enjoying these precious moments with darling little ones.
“Family is the most important thing in the world,” Diana once mused. No doubt she would have adored being a grandmother to George and Charlotte.
They got it from their mama! Di teaches the boys how navigate the terrain during a trip to the Swiss Apls in 1991.
Proudly watching on: It has been almost 25 years since William went on his first ski trip with his mother. Now the Prince is reviving the tradition with his children.
Slope it to me: In 1995 a 10-year-old Harry and 12-year-old William took their skiing very seriously!
Laughs with dad: Prince Charles is also very fond of the snow. Here, he shares a chuckle with his teenage sons back in 2000.
Skiing in the Alps is a tradition that goes back to when Prince Charles was a young lad. (L) In 1963 a rosy-cheeked Charles checks out the conditions. (R) Two years later, he’s just as keen to make the most of it!
Despite being a seasoned skier, in 1980 the Prince had an awkward run-in with a fellow mountain rider during a day on slopes Switzerland.
Prince Charles, 31, makes fun of the press during his annual trip to the fields in 1980.
Temper tanty with Wills! Just like his mum, William was a free spirit.
Cuteness overload… Soon we will see our favourite royal cherub George taking on the slopes.
Sledging for a good time!
You can’t miss him! In 1994, Prince William turned heads on his bright get-up.
Almost five years on from their spectacular wedding, William and Catherine look just as in love as ever. Back in their early days as a couple (R) they often enjoyed trips away to the snow.
Catherine’s athletic sister Pippa Middleton, who competed during the 88th Vasaloppet cross country ski marathon in Mora back in 2012, can give her niece and nephew a few tips.
Hanging with dad. Over the years, Prince Charles held many photocalls with his sons during their vacations.
Fingers-crossed this becomes a royal tradition for the Cambridges and like their Danish friends across the pond, they treat the world with annual snow snaps.
THE ROYAL FAMILY HAVE SHARED SOME SNAPS FROM THEIR FIRST FAMILY-OF-FOUR HOLIDAY IN THE SNOW
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