JOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty ImagesPrince George and Princess Charlotte are growing up before our very eyes!
Prince William and Kate Middleton shared special moments from their two children's lives early Monday morning by releasing six pictures of their recent family's ski vacation. "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to share new photographs of their family. The images show Their Royal Highnesses enjoying a short skiing holiday with their children in the French Alps. This was their first holiday as a family of four and the first time either of the children had played in the snow," a Kensington Palace spokesperson said of the pics, taken Thursday. "It was very special and fun short holiday for the family, and they are grateful that John Stillwell was able to capture the moment so well. The Duke and Duchess hope people enjoy the photos."
Kensington Palace first unveiled the images via Twitter.
William, 33, and George, 2, kept warm in blue snowsuits, while Kate, 34, and Charlotte, 10 months, were dressed in white, fur-lined jackets. Charlotte, who has only been seen a handful of times since birth, flashed an adorable smile, showing the world she's already got a few teeth. The couple was also photographed throwing snowballs at each other. In one of the shots, William held Kate close as he tried to stop her from throwing snow in his face for a second time. Both avid skiers, the two haven't had a chance to hit the slopes since becoming parents in 2013.
William and Kate released the photos only after returning to England, where they celebrated Mothering Sunday. After tending to some local engagements, they will head to India in April.
Monday marks the first time the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released pictures from a private family vacation. In previous years, they have traveled to the private Caribbean island of Mustique in an effort to minimize the chance of photographs being taken. Last July, they sent a letter to the media asking to them not to publish paparazzi photos of their children, as the "tactics being used are increasing dangerous." Kensington Palace's communications secretary added that the Cambridges "have enjoyed sharing an increasing number of photos of their children and look forward to continuing to take them to more public events as they get older."