
The Earl and Countess of Wessex have taken a break from royal duties and jetted off for a family holiday in the exclusive Swiss ski resort of St Moritz.
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, both 55, were seen spending quality time with their children Lady Louise Windsor, 16, and James, Viscount Severn, 12, on the slopes over the weekend.
A half-term jaunt to the exclusive resort, which recently hosted the star-studded wedding of Dasha Zhukova and billionaire shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos, has become a family tradition for the Wessexes, who are all experienced skiers.
The Wessex winter Olympics! The Earl and Countess of Wessex are spending the half-term holidays in St Moritz, pictured

Wrapping up: Sophie Wessex looked chic in a black padded coat and a chic silk scarf as she joined her husband on the slopes

Father-son time: The Earl of Wessex joined his son, James, Viscount Severn, on the chair lift in St Moritz over the weekend


Experienced: Lady Louise Windsor, 16, has joined her parents at the glitzy resort of St Moritz over the weekend

Family time: Prince Edward, centre, with James, Viscount Severn (left) and Sophie Wessex, right, on the slopes


Ready to go! Lady Louise Windsor, 16, put on her helmet, left, before grabbing her skis, right, as she joined her parents

Daddy’s girl! Lady Louise Windsor, right, and Prince Edward, left, were spent quality time together on the slopes in St Moritz


Let’s snow! Sophie Wessex, pictured left and right, is taking a well-earned break from a busy schedule of royal engagements

Family favourite! A jaunt to St Moritz has become a tradition for the Wessexes. Pictured, Sophie and Lady Louise in St Moritz
It is a well-earned break for Sophie and Edward, who have had a busy start to the year in the wake of Megxit and Prince Andrew’s departure.
The couple are thought to be in the running to take on more responsibility in light of the seismic resignations within the firm.
But any thoughts of the future appeared far from their minds as they headed out on the slopes on Sunday, with Edward and Sophie both looking perfectly at ease.
The countess wrapped up against the cold in a black coat, adding a splash of colour with a chic blue silk scarf tied around her neck. Meanwhile Edward stood out in his vibrant red coat.

Up and away! Prince Edward shared a chair lift with his 12-year-old son James, Viscount Severn, over the weekend


All the gear: James, Viscount Severn, showed off a stylish black and red jacket from pricey label Spyder in St Moritz

Winter break: The Earl of Wessex and his 16-year-old daughter Lady Louise Windsor enjoyed a day on the slopes


She’s a snow pro! Lady Louise Windsor is an experienced skier and has joined her family on a number of snowy getaways

Off they go! Lady Louise, centre, was followed by her father Prince Edward, right, as they headed onto the slope
Their children, often praised for their exemplary manners and comportment, looked as comfortable as their parents on the snow.
St Moritz is something of a celebrity haunt for die-hard skiers, frequented by the likes of John Travolta, Liz Hurley and Ivana Trump, as well as a string of royals.
It is thought the Wessexes will only be in Switzerland until the weekend and will return to the UK in time for the children to return to school next week.