The most surprising person snubbed Prince George's birthday party.

Should grandparents be at their first grandchild’s first birthday party? If you’re royal, apparently not.

You probably don’t need to be told this, but it was Prince George’s 1st birthday yesterday.

And while the entire world wished they got the exclusive invite to his ‘family and close friends’ party, one person who DID get the invite, decided not to go.

We’re talking about you, Prince Charles.

The ‘doting’ grandfather and step-grandmother, Camilla, were unable to attend because they were in Scotland on their annual summer holiday at Balmoral, about four hours away by train. They were also slotting in some work, visiting a shortcake factory (where they received a large cuddly toy red squirrel for George – just to remind them they were missing the birthday party of the year).

In true Princely fashion, Prince George didn't let the absentee guest phase him. In the morning he popped over to Buckingham Palace with mum to see great-grandfather Prince Philip (who also couldn't make the party because of work commitments) and got a "Happy Birthday" jingle from the Irish Guards.

As for the party, sources say that all the Middletons showed up, Prince George's god-parents (Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, Emilia d’Erlanger and William van Cutsem), Prince Harry, William's cousin Zara Philips with husband Mike Tindall (and reports of baby Mia) and of course the Queen. There are differing rumours of who made the cake - Kate, her brother James or the nanny (our bet is on the nanny).

While crowds lined the streets outside of Kensington Palace, the bells of Westminster Abbey in central London (the same place that Will and Kate said "I do") rang out to mark the little Prince's birthday.

And while we didn't get to see Kate, Will or birthday boy George, his parents did thank everyone for the birthday wishes:

"We would like to take this opportunity on George’s first birthday to thank everyone over the last year, wherever we have met them, both at home and overseas, for their warm and generous good wishes to George and our family."

And in case you missed it...here are the official photos of Prince George for his birthday (plus him as he has grown up):

Do you think grandparents should be in attendance for their grandchild's first birthday?

What does a royal birthday party look like? Well, between them, the Middletons have two party companies - Uncle James' Cake Kit Company, and mum and dad Carol and Michael's Party Pieces empire. Here's what they suggest for a first birthday party.

Want more? Try:

In honour of Prince George, chubby-cheeked babies galore.

5 amazing birthday cakes that you can actually make.