Royal baby: Heirs' christenings in pictures

A photograph of the Queen with three future kings - Prince Charles, Prince William and three-month-old Prince George has been released following the young royal's christening.

The last time an official photograph of a monarch and three heirs was taken was in Queen Victoria's time. The christening of the future Edward VIII in July 1894 showed the royal baby with his father, later George V; grandfather, the future Edward VII; and great grandmother, Queen Victoria.

Just seven years later in 1901, Queen Victoria died and her eldest son was crowned Edward VII. He reigned until 1910, giving his name to the Edwardian era. On his death, he was succeeded by his son, who became George V - the monarch who led the country through World War I. King George's son then succeeded him in 1936 as Edward VIII - the only British sovereign to abdicate voluntarily.

Almost 80 years later, how did Prince George's christening photos compare with those of his father and grandfather?

Charles, William and George and their parents

Both Prince Charles and Prince William were christened at Buckingham Palace - Charles in 1948 and William in 1982. However, Prince George - third in line to the throne - was baptised at Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

Charles, William and George and their families

When Prince Charles was baptised in 1948, the now Queen Elizabeth II was still a princess. She was pictured after the christening with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, her father King George VI and his mother Queen Mary, as well as the baby prince's godparents - among them was Princess Margaret.

More than 30 years later, the Queen also had a front-row seat in pictures taken of her grandson William's christening. She was photographed with William's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, the Queen Mother and other members of the royal party.

Now aged 87, the monarch also attended the christening of her great-grandchild and heir Prince George. It was a ceremony that spanned four generations of the royal family.

George was baptised in a replica of the intricate lace and satin gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841.