Duchess Kate joined sister Pippa Middleton for exclusive hen do while Wills partied

The Duchess of Cambridge wasn't at home with Prince George and Princess Charlotte while Prince William partied on the slopes in Switzerland last month as previously reported. She was on the piste too — just 160km from her husband in the French Alps for sister, Pippa's hen party. 

The Sun reports the royal couple shared a private jet to the slopes, paid for Catherine's parents Carole and Michael Middleton, and then went their separate ways.

Catherine stayed in an exclusive chalet with a chef and maid in Meribel, France while the Duke crossed the border with his friends and headed to Verbier in Switzerland. Both royals enjoyed a weekend on the slopes and some apres-ski fun.

The intimate hen do allowed Catherine privacy from the paparazzi. Prince William wasn't so fortunate — he was widely criticised by the British press after video of him partying with an Australian model was leaked. He had missed official Commonwealth Day commemorations in the UK to attend the ski trip.

The Duchess' break was more relaxed — and she even went home with a bag of gifts. 

"The owners also wanted to impress their royal guests so the girls were showered with gifts", a source reportedly told the paper.

"They were given Swatch watches, Ugg slippers, leather-bound notebooks and bespoke fragrances. It was a very small, private party and they had an amazing time."

The children reportedly stayed in the UK with Catherine's parents, Carole and Michael.

Pippa is set to marry James Matthews, the brother of Made in Chelsea's Spencer, in a small ceremony near the Middleton family home this month.

Last week, Catherine and William were photographed arriving at the Matthews' London town house for a dinner party. Kate's brother, James was also in attendance as the royal couple met Pippa's future in-laws for the first time.