Will & Kate hit the slopes

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined Kate Middleton's parents and her brother James at the Three Valleys ski resort in Meribel, an insider told Us Weekly.

The source said: "This was a treat from Kate's parents, as William and Kate's budget is quite small for trips. It's not the first time they have taken them away. They have all been to Meribel together before."

The trip follows Prince William's recent return from his six-week tour of duty in the Falklands. He and his new wife, along with her family, 'looked very happy together' as they enjoyed a meal at a local restaurant, an onlooker told the magazine. Another source witnessed the family at the top of Col de la Loze, one Meribel's highest points.

Although Middleton had said she missed her husband 'desperately' while he was away, the royal couple have had little time to spend alone together, as the magazine's source said they are sharing a chalet with Middleton's family.