LONDON - Britain's Prince William published a video message on Wednesday to send his good wishes for the Chinese New Year ahead of his first visit to China.

After a brief greeting in Mandarin Chinese, Prince William said:

"Warmest wishes to you all in the Year of the Sheep. Chinese New Year is a special time for people around the world and I am very pleased to be visiting China soon."

The prince, officially known as the Duke of Cambridge, 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.

"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 Chinese again: "Zhu ni men chun jie kuai le, yang nian da ji (I wish you a happy Chinese New Year and good luck in the Year of the Sheep)."

During his visit to China, Prince William will also undertake engagements in Beijing and elsewhere to promote Britain-China relations, people-to-people links and his charity work, according to Buckingham Palace.