Prince William has been enjoying a skiing holiday in Switzerland.

Prince William

Prince William

The 34-year-old royal was spotted with close friends as he took to the slopes in Verbier, Switzerland, on Sunday (12.03.17).

Prince William's wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and their two children Prince George, three, and Princess Charlotte, 22 months, were noticeably missing from the trip, and it believed they stayed at home whilst William spent some quality time with his friends.

In pictures obtained by People magazine, Prince William can be seen riding a ski lift with three of his friends, as well as being photographed enjoying lunch with a large group of pals.

Prince William's ski trip came the day before his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, held a ceremony in support of Commonwealth Day (13.03.17), which William was noticeably absent from.

William's younger brother Prince Harry, 32, was in attendance at the event, as was their father Prince Charles.

Also at the ceremony were Prince Philip, Duchess Camilla, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.

The event marked the start of the Commonwealth Games baton relay, which sees the ceremonial baton travel 140,000 miles over 388 days, visiting each of the 52 Commonwealth nations before arriving in Australia's Gold Coast in time for the start of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Queen also celebrated the annual day by promoting "respect and understanding" between the Commonwealth nations, in a message written in the ceremony's order of service.

The message read: "The cornerstones on which peace is founded are, quite simply, respect and understanding for one another. Working together we build peace by defending the dignity of every individual and community.

"By upholding justice and the rule of law and by striving for societies that are fair and offer opportunities for all, we overcome division and find reconciliation, so that the benefits of progress and prosperity may be multiplied and shared.

"As members of the Commonwealth family, we can find much to be thankful for in the inheritances we have received from those who came before us. Through consensus and co-operation, great things have been achieved."