24 DECEMBER 2004

Crown Prince Haakon is hosting his family's Christmas festivities this year, and the heir to the throne has got a whole new reason to celebrate, as his baby daughter joins the royal revels for the first time.

Little Princess Ingrid, who was born on January 21, is the prince's first biological child, although he has adopted his wife Mette-Marit's young son Marius. And it's the babes-in-arms -Ingrid and her cousin Maud - who take centre stage in the family's Christmas photos.

The whole family has gathered at Haakon's estate for the holiday period, and already the festive shots are out, showing their delight at being all together. Haakon, Mette-Marit and Marius were pictured in their kitchen introducing Ingrid to the joys of traditional gingerbread-style pepperkaker a few days ago. And the family has just been rounded out by the arrival of Haakon's sister, Princess Martha Louise, with her husband Ari Behn and their 18-month-old daughter Maud.

The royal family will be spending Christmas in traditional Norwegian style, with their main celebration taking place on the 24th, Christmas Eve.