Prince William visits young cancer patients

Dec 1, 2005, 13:41 GMT

Britain's Prince William took time off from his work experience to visit young cancer patients at the UK's Royal Marsden Hospital, November 29.

The prince - who has undertaken a number of work placements to gain experience of different careers - reminded hospital staff of his mother, the late Princess Diana, by keeping his visit private and low key.

William stayed at the hospital for three hours, and spent time talking and joking with every child.

The 23-year-old prince also made sure he visited the young patients without his bodyguards to make sure they didn't feel intimidated.

A hospital source is quoted in Britain's The Sun newspaper as saying: "He wasn't seeking publicity or attention of any kind.

"It was clear to everyone he simply cares about these children."

A nurse at the hospital revealed: "He had the girls giggling over lunch and even shared his gourmet sandwiches.

"There's no question he's picked up where his mum left off and is the People 's Prince. Wills is a fantastic guy - he's so easy going and not at all stuffy."

William has already shown signs of following in his mother's footsteps, and it is thought he will work in the future with some of her favourite projects and charities.

Earlier this year, it was revealed the prince is concerned about AIDS awareness in Africa - an issue that greatly troubled Diana.

The handsome royal allegedly started learning about the disease and ways to help sufferers in developing countries.

A royal source revealed at the time: "William intends to dedicate much of his time to raising the awareness of the global problem of Aids.

"The issue is one close to his heart because he loves Africa and knows the damage that AIDS has done."

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International