The Duchess of Cambridge has been announced as a patron of the Natural History Museum (NHM), with hopes she will inspire the next generation to conserve the planet's diversity.

The announcement follows the Duchess officially opening the museum's Treasure Gallery in November.

She also met with NHM scientists studying biodiversity during her trip to Borneo with the Duke of Cambridge last year.

Director of the museum Michael Dixon said: "When she was here last November it was clear to me how much she shares our passion for understanding and maintaining the diversity of our planet."

Speaking at the Treasure Gallery launch last year, the Duchess said the museum held a special place in the heart of the nation.

"William and I are just two of millions of people who have passed through these doors, and marvelled at the spectacular wonders of the natural world, housed in this beautiful gallery," she explained.

The NHM has the world's largest natural history collection in the world, with over 70 million specimens, and attracts 5 million visitors a year.