Kate Middleton and Prince William enjoy private ski trip in the French Alps with children

Prince George, Princess Charlotte

Kate Middleton and Prince William enjoyed a short private ski trip in the French Alps, France. The royal couple were accompanied by their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Kensington Palace released photos of the royal family's outing on Twitter. The couple invited royal photographer, John Stillwell to take the pictures.

The palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to share new photos of their family enjoying a short ski break. This was their first holiday as a family of four and the first time either of the children have played in the snow. The Duke and Duchess hope people enjoy these photos. PA Royal Photographer John Stillwell was invited to take the photographs of this happy family moment."

A source told People that the trip was "the first time the children had played in snow like that before. It was a lovely moment for them as a family. They had a lovely time."

Meanwhile, Prince William recently talked about fatherhood in a documentary with TV personalities Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly. The 33-year-old royal said: "I'm a lot more emotional than I used to be, weirdly. I never used to get too wound up or worried about things. But now the smallest little things, you well up a little more, you get affected by the sort of things that happen around the world whatever a lot more, I think, as a father."

"Just because you realise how precious life is and it puts it all in perspective," he explained. "The idea of not being around to see your children grow up and stuff like that. I remember my mother and father taking us to charities and organisations and showing us what goes on. And I think seeing such a broad spectrum of life is really important from a young age to give you a bit of perspective.

"You don't just live in a palace, it's very important you get out and you see what goes on in the real world," he added.