Prince George
Britain's Prince William, his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George, pose for the official portrait in London.Reuters/Jason Bell

Speculations are already rife that the first birthday party for the youngest heir to the British throne would be a gala event.

But it won't be a surprise if Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge decide on a much toned down celebration involving only close family members.

The countdown to the first birthday of the little prince has already begun. Prince George will turn one on 22 July.

Instead of holding a major royal celebration, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are planning to invite only close family members and friends of the couple for George's first birthday party.

Prince George
Prince George, son of Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, plays with a toy during a Plunket nurse and parents group event at the Government House in Wellington April 9, 2014. The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, or Plunket for short, is a national not-for-profit organisation that provides care for children and families in New Zealand. Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate are undertaking a 19-day official visit to New Zealand and Australia with their son George.Reuters/Marty Melville/Pool

Kate Middleton could be taking the help of her young sister for organising the party for Prince George.

In her online magazine, The Party Times that promotes her parents' party planning business, Pippa had adviced on a low-key celebration.

"Your one-year-old will feel most at ease with people they know well, so keep their first birthday party familiar and intimate," she said."Usually, a small crowd consisting of close family and a few friends with babies of the same age is enough," she added.

When Prince William Turned One

The young Prince George's birthday has much similar anticipations that were voiced by the people on the first birthday celebrations of Prince William. On 21 June 1983, the eager public had waited in anticipation for a royal event but the day went on without any significant celebration notes Joann F Price in her book - "Prince William: A Biography".

Prince William seen playing with Diana and Prince Charles
Prince William seen playing with Diana and Prince CharlesReuters File

When Prince William turned one, both Prince Charles and Diana were on an official trip to Canada and the young child had to celebrate the birthday with his nanny Barbara Barnes. However, one important aspect of Prince William's upbringing is that the young Wills was raised in a manner which was less formal than most of the royal children before him, the author notes in the biography. 

And that is what we can expect for Prince George's birthday, a simple affair with less of royal airs. It will be a small family affair with no fuzz.

One of the highlights of Prince George's birthday would be the much anticipated family photo session.