Prince William hones his Mandarin before China visit next month

Britain's Prince William has impressed the Chinese with his language skills, wishing the country a Happy New Year in Mandarin ahead of his first visit to China next month.

The prince, officially known as the Duke of Cambridge, published the video message on Wednesday sending his good wishes in the Year of the Goat.

After a brief greeting in Mandarin Chinese, William said: "Warmest wishes to you all… Chinese New Year is a special time for people around the world, and I am very pleased to be visiting China soon."

The prince talked about his upcoming royal visit to China and how he will launch the Great Festival of Creativity, which marks the start of a year of cultural exchange between China and Britain. His wife, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, will not be attending. She is pregnant with the couple's second child.

"China has a long and distinguished cultural heritage, and I am proud to say that we in Britain have a well-learned reputation for innovation," he said. "Together, the United Kingdom and China have much to celebrate about our cultural relationship - what we have in common and what we can learn from one another," he continued.

"As you celebrate New Year with family and friends, I send good wishes from my family to yours," the prince said before wrapping up his message in Mandarin again.