Upon arriving in Singapore, the Duchess of Cambridge revealed her fondness for bargain hunting and confirmed what those in the fashion world have suspected for a while - that her go to destination is Bicester Village in Oxfordshire.Kate enjoyed a girly chat with a local dignitary at Changi Airport at the start of her nine-day tour of the Far East and they bonded over their love of shopping.
Sadiah Bte Shahal said: "We talked about the UK and particularly about shopping at Bicester. "I said I've been there and I love it and she said she does as well." Her outfits during the first day of the trip probably weren't money-savers, but they were very elegant nonetheless.
After stepping out in a kimono-style dress by Jenny Packham, the Duchess changed into a pretty white and purple outfit by Singapore-born designer Prabal Gurung.
The 30-year-old debuted the second outfit of the trip as she and Prince William were welcomed by the country's president, Tony Tan Keng Yam, and his wife to his official residence, the Istana.Meaning 'palace' in Malay, the stately white building, which is remniscent of the White House, is set in 40 hectares of land in the Orchard Road area.It was once part of the extensive Mount Sophia nutmeg plantation. In 1867, the British colonial government acquired the land and built a mansion on the orders of Singapore's first British colonial governor, Sir Harry Saint George Ord.
They were shown inside, and Kate was heard telling the president's wife Mary, that the residence was "very impressive".Then the party made their way to the West drawing Room, which contains a set of signed photographs of Prince Charles, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne.
William and Kate added to the collection, leaving their own portrait bearing their signatures as a gift for their hosts.
Fifteen minuts later, the royal guests moved across to the East Drawing Room to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching.
On their arrival, William reviewed a Guard of Honour, who were clad in pristine white uniforma and red caps.
Photographers asked them to repeat handshakes so they could capture the moment, drawing a giggle from Kate.The future King chatted about their flight, saying it was "very, very comfortable" adding that he thought the temperature in Singapore was "very good".Pre-dinner drinks followed the meetings, then the royal visitors joined VIP guests at a state dinner where the future King gave an address on behalf of the Queen.
