How heirs turn one

One photo down, two to go.  The image of Prince George taking a few steps which has been released to mark his first birthday has certainly got plenty of attention with much anticipation for the next two images which will be shared on July 21st 2014 just ahead of his big birthday.  A future monarch reaching their first big milestone usually merits a special snap or two and George is following a path well trodden by his fellow kings and queens in waiting.  Most recent among the monarchs to be to turn one was Princess Estelle of Sweden who was photographed in February 2013 in a vintage dress worn by her mum on her first birthday. Estelle seemed more interested in her birthday cake.

Princess Estelle of Sweden in photos taken to mark her first birthday in 2013

And cake seems to be a big theme in first birthday portraits.  Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, the first heir of her generation, looked slightly worried by her festive pud in the photos taken to mark her big birthday in October 2002.

Like most toddlers, Elisabeth of Belgium wasn't too happy at sitting still for her birthday photos

Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands wasn't going to hang around waiting for her cake to be cut - she was up and ready for action in her first birthday portrait released to mark her big day in 2004.

The future queen of the Netherlands on her first birthday

But Prince Christian of Denmark really set the bar high with his first birthday cake photos - this future king wasn't going to wait to tuck into his big treat when he celebrated in October 2006.

It wasn't me, honest.  Christian of Denmark does birthday cake

Not all heirs choose to mark their big day with a cake fest and Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway decided to show off her crawling skills when she turned one in 2005.

A very happy little heiress - Ingrid Alexandra of Norway on her first birthday

Leonor of Spain, then an Infanta, looked mostly serious in her first birthday portraits which were released in October 2006.

Where's my cake?  Leonor on her first birthday

But George might want to look at his own family album as he turns one.  The Queen was snapped at around that age with her grandmother, Queen Mary.  Blonde, regal and born to rule - George has a lot in common with his great granny.

The Queen around the age of one with her grandmother, Queen Mary