Waving happily at the camera in one of the intimate shots is the Prince's one-year-old- son Prince Hisahito. Though the little boy spent most of the walk being pushed in his buggy by his 12-year-old sister, Princess Kako, or carried by mum Princess Kiko, he will no doubt soon be making efforts to explore the gardens on his own two feet, after his father revealed he's taken his first steps unaided.
"(He) has started walking by himself and has expanded his field of activities," says Prince Akishino of the youngster, who is third in line to the Chrysanthemum throne.
The little future emperor isn't the only one in the family maturing. The prince also revealed daughters Mako and 16-year-old Kako are growing into responsible adults - often helping take care of their little brother.