The 16-year-old prince has chosen to forego the Swiss slopes and is said to be "doing his own thing".

The three princes pose for cameras on a previous trip

He is understood to be spending the rest of his holiday shooting with friends and other members of the Royal Family, before returning to Eton for the start of the new school term.

Although William usually spends the New Year on the slopes, he has shown far more interest in hunting than skiing.

He spent Boxing Day at Sandringham taking part in the traditional Christmas shoot.

Camera shy

William will miss out on a week's skiing at Klosters, the Prince of Wales's favourite Alpine resort.

But he may have opted to stay away from the slopes to avoid the world's press who will be flocking to the Swiss resort for the royal visit.

Also in the royal skiing party is Tiggy Legge-Bourke, Harry's former nanny, who will keep the 14-year-old company on the snow slopes, along with family friends the Palmer-Tompkinsons.