Several images of the Belgian Royal Family have been released this evening from their recent private holiday. The images were taken with the permission of the King and Queen by press photographer Yves Herman on behalf of Belgian photo agencies.Â
Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and their children, Their Royal Highnesses Princess Elisabeth (16), Prince Gabriel (14), Prince Emmanuel (12) and Princess Eleonore (9) of Belgium are all pictured in the famous ski resort town of Verbier, Switzerland, where they spent time over the Carnaval holiday.Â
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The Carnaval holiday occurs annually ahead of the Christian season of Lent. It is normally celebrated in areas with a large Roman Catholic presence – like Belgium. The Belgian Royal Family are also practising Catholics.
The family arrived in Verbier for a “sports family week” on Saturday, February 10; they enjoy spending time in the mountains during this time of year like many of their fellow Belgians. The Royal Palace revealed that the photos were taken today. However, they did not reveal how long the Belgian Royal Family would be present in Switzerland.
Like their parents, all four of the royal children are experienced skiers.
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The family hopes that by releasing these official images of their family on the slopes, other photographs taken by paparazzi will not be shared by the news media.
King Philippe married Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz on 4 December 1999 in Brussels. He came to the throne after the abdication of his father, King Albert, on 21 July 2013. Their daughter, Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, is expected to one day become Belgium’s first queen regnant.
Pictures from the Dutch Royal Family’s annual skiing holiday in Lech, Austria, will be released later this month when the family partakes in their winter photo session.