Catherine Duchess of Cambridge smiles during a ceremony naming a hybrid orchid in their honor at the Orchid Garden within the Singapore Botanical Gardens in Singapore. (AP Photo/Stephen Morrison, Pool) Source: AP
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have thrilled thousands of tiny fans in steamy Singapore, telling them they would pick invisibility if they had super powers.
The unrelenting heat failed to deter the crowds, who gathered behind yellow barricades to cheer on the royal couple at Gardens by the Bay as they drove past in an eight-seater buggy.
"Will, you're brill, Kate, you're great," chanted one enthusiastic group of expat kids.
Well-wishers wait to see Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, as they take a tour of Gardens by the Bay in Singapore on September 12, 2012. AFP PHOTO Source: AFP
Catherine wore a white jacket and skirt tapered in at her tiny waist with a simple belt, while her brunette locks fell about her shoulders in soft natural waves.
Her broderie anglaise outfit was an Alexander McQueen design, the same designer she wore on her wedding day to William 18 months ago.
Kate completed the classy look with a pair of the navy wedge shoes she favoured during her official engagements at London's recent Olympic Games.
Catherine (L), the Duchess of Cambridge, greets young fans at Gardens by the Bay during her visit to Singapore. AFP PHOTO Source: AFP
She joined William outside of the buggy to shake hands with masses of near delirious kids.
"I love her, just love her," exuded one young fan.
Another asked the future king what power he would pick if he was a superhero, to which William replied: "Invisibility."
When asked the same question Kate also picked invisibility, claiming she would need it so William could not sneak up on her.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meets children as she visits Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
The couple made sure even the smallest of their fans did not miss out, with both of them regularly crouching on the ground to speak to those too short to get their head over the top of the barricade.
They were rewarded with bunches of flowers and cheers as they made their way beneath 18 vertical gardens, otherwise known as super trees, set amongst a sea of British flags.
"She looks like a doll," said local girl Shindhoo Kumer, who was part of a large contingent of local Singaporean fans, where the couple's youth and good looks have elevated them to rock star status.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge meets children on Day 2 of their Diamond Jubilee Tour of the Far East. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
Roasted duck and chicken consomme was on the menu for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first official dinner of their overseas tour.
But it was Kate's dress, and not the sliced baked mooncakes, that was the hero of the night.
The daring multi-coloured dress by Singaporean-born designer Prabul Gurung fell just above her knees, while its swirls of cascading flowers complimented the exotic grounds of the Istana, the president's residence.
Britain's Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, arrives at the Istana Presidential Palace in Singapore Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are on an official three-day trip to Singapore. (AP Photo/Tim Chong, Pool) Source: AP
The Duchess, who has shunned a personal stylist, elected for understated accessories, teaming the bold outfit with sleek black stilettos and a black clutch.
As always, her engagement ring was on display, coupled with a fine silver and diamond bracelet on her right wrist.
Check out Kate's style in our gallery.
The Duke of Cambridge, who was honoured with a Royal Guard, took the time to speak to a number of soldiers before the couple headed inside the Istana, reminiscent of a rather grand wedding cake.
"Very impressive," the duchess was overheard telling President Tony Tan and his wife Mary.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge toasts President of Singapore's wife Mary Tan at dinner as she visits the Istana on Day 1 of their Diamond Jubilee tour on September 11, 2012 in Singapore. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
William raised some knowing chuckles during his speech to about 50 guests.
"Catherine and I greatly look forward to learning much more, and seeing much more, during our stay here, particularly us Aston Villa fans."
He then added that the Queen - who visited Singapore in 1972, 1989 and 2006 - had told him and Kate before they left London how much they would enjoy themselves.
"How right she was," he added.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge during their visit to Singapore Botanical Gardens on Day 1 of their Diamond Jubilee tour on September 11, 2012 in Singapore. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
Kate raised a glass of water rather than wine at the two toasts made by the president and the Duke of Cambridge.
They dined on a seven-course Chinese meal in the Banquet Hall lit by five grand chandeliers.
Looking ahead, their first stop today will be one of the largest garden projects in the world complete with "supertrees", otherwise known as iconic vertical gardens, embedded with sustainable energy.
William and Kate will then hit the floor of a Rolls-Royce factory before enjoying a cultural event in Queenstown at a public housing venture widely touted as a model for other countries.
The first satellite town in Singapore, Queenstown was named after William's grandmother's coronation in 1953.
In the afternoon, the royal couple will visit disabled children at the Rainbow Centre ahead of a British High Commission reception at Eden Hall in the evening.
Hundreds of locals are expected to flock to see the pair, who have been afforded rock star status in Singapore courtesy of their youth, looks and easy way with people.
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