UK royals tour Singapore

Excited residents in Singapore turned out to greet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and his wife Catherine.

The royal couple shook hands with the people and spoke to children at the Gardens by the Bay.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SINGAPORE NATIONALS, LIESEL CHONG, SAYING:

"It was quite a crazy crowd but yes, it's a nice experience to see them up close. They were really very nice. They were taking to all the kids in front of me. They were being very sweet."

William and Kate then toured the air-conditioned Cloud Forest, which contains plant life from mountainous regions.

They later visited the new Rolls-Royce Seletar Campus.

Prince William spoke of the collaborative spirit between Singapore and British companies.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED KINGDOM PRINCE WILLIAM, SAYING:

"It is a symbol of the relationship between this remarkable British company and this wonderful country. It is also striking evidence of the much broader partnership between Singapore and those 700 British companies who are doing business here to the benefit of both our nations. It is a relationship we celebrate today, and one which I'm confident will continue to go from strength to strength."

The Duchess then officially unveiled the Trent 900, which powers the Airbus A830.

Rolls-Royce says that is the first aero engine assembled and tested in Singapore.

The royal couple will travel to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday as part of their Asia Pacific tour to mark the 60-year reign by Queen Elizabeth II.