Members of the Dutch royal family posed for photographs in Lech, Austria on Monday, at the start of their traditional skiing holiday.

There was great media attention for the photo op, which came a year and one day after prince Friso was engulfed in an avalanche while out skiing off piste.

Nos royal reporter Kysia Hekster said some 75 photographers had registered for the shoot. ‘Normally there are around 30 or 40,’ she said. The international media, including Britain, France and Germany, were also present.

At one point photographers urged the three young princesses to throw snowballs at them. ‘Don’t,’ said their dad. ‘Don’t throw snowballs at the press or it will follow you all your lives.’

All change

The occasion also marked the last time Beatrix will be present at a formal photo op as queen. She will abdicate in favour of her son Willem-Alexander on April 30.

Friso’s wife Mabel and their two children are also in Lech but decided not to be photographed ‘for personal reasons’. Before the trip, Mabel thanked the media for respecting her privacy.

Friso is in a coma in hospital in London. On Sunday, the local church in Lech held a mass for the prince. The royal family did not attend.