LONDON.- The announcement follows The Duchess opening the Museum’s Treasures exhibition in November last year and her recent visit with The Duke of Cambridge to Borneo, where they met Museum scientists researching rainforest biodiversity.

Director of the Natural History Museum, Dr Michael Dixon said, ‘I am delighted that The Duchess has chosen to be the Patron for the Natural History Museum. It is a testament to how much this place inspires all who visit.

'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.

'I very much look forward to involving her more in our work and hope she may join us in inspiring the next generation.’

Speaking at the launch of the Museum’s Treasures exhibition, The Duchess commented, ‘The Natural History Museum has a very special place in the heart of this 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.‪ I care passionately about what this museum stands for.’

The natural history collection
The Natural History Museum is home to the world’s largest and most important natural history collection, with over 70 million specimens. Ranging in age from the origins of the solar system billions of years ago to the present day, the Museum’s collections offer a window to both the past and future.

They are a unique resource for research, used by thousands of scientists every year who are working to tackle the big challenges that are facing us and our planet, such as climate change, sustainability and biodiversity loss. The Museum is renowned as an award-winning tourist attraction that welcomes 5 million visitors a year.