ITALIAN PRINCESS ON TOP OF THE WORLD WITH BIRTHDAY BASH IN ST MORITZ

PHOTOS: BEST IMAGE/BACKGRID. GETTY IMAGES

What better way to enter a new decade than by celebrating in stunning snowy surroundings, with your best friend by your side?

That was the case for Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, whose 20th birthday was marked by a surprise party thrown by her older sister, Princess Maria Carolina, during a family skiing trip in St Moritz – one of the birthday girl’s “all-time favourite destinations”.

The close pair, daughters of Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro and his wife Princess Camilla, spent their “winter wonderland” break posing for photos in chic ski wear, going for snowy hikes and sampling Swiss fondue – and capturing it all for their Instagram followers.

First-time skier Carolina, 21 (on left), even attempted the legendary Cresta Run skeleton toboggan track, calling it “unforgettable”.

Chiara’s party involved a candlelit dinner with friends and family, featuring mini skier table decorations and a birthday cake.

“Happy birthday to my little (not so little anymore) sister that I love with all my heart,” Carolina posted. “Never forget how perfect you are and how much you’re loved.”

One friend who missed the fun was Prince Christian of Denmark, who was at home after completing a gap year volunteering in East Africa. He and Chiara have been romantically linked since they were photographed together at the Monaco Grand Prix in 2023, but she insists that they are just good friends.