Washington, March 19 : Prince William has revealed how he decided to follow in the footsteps of his mother Diana by becoming a patron of the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

The future King spoke of his inspiration in a television interview to promote his support to build a new centre for young patients at the hospital in Sutton, Surrey.

"For a very long time my mother was involved with the Royal Marsden, and she had a very close connection with them." People magazine quoted him as telling the BBC''s Newsround.

"So I wanted to follow in her footsteps, in that sense, and help," he added.

The late Princess of Wales in 1993 opened the children's unit at the Royal Marsden, where her elder son undertook work experience four years ago.

And now, the 26-year-old was backing plans to put up a special Children''s and Teenage Cancer Centre.

He added: "I''ve learned so much and met so many incredible people who have been unfortunate enough to, you know, have cancer - and most battle through it and have dealt with it in an incredibly inspirational way." (ANI)