When Prince William takes his bride to open a new children's cancer centre on Thursday, the couple will be welcomed by a familiar face.

During the visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, the Duchess of Cambridge will be presented with a bouquet by young cancer patient Alice Marples.

The 12-year-old interviewed the Prince two years ago for CBBC show Newsround.

Alice will fly to the US in a few days for pioneering radiotherapy.

William became president of the Royal Marsden in May 2007, having undertaken two days work experience there in 2005.

It was a position previously held by his late mother, Diana.

A devoted supporter of the hospital, she auctioned off 79 of her dresses – at William's suggestion – helping raise funds for the Marsden weeks before her death in 1997.

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