The Prince of Wales was given a warm welcome in Singapore against the backdrop of the world’s largest indoor waterfall ahead of the Earthshot Awards.

Prince William has arrived in Singapore to announce the winners of his Earthshot Prize, a £1m prize for green innovators.

Prince of Wales said it was “fantastic to be back” as crowds gathered around the world’s largest indoor waterfall at Changi Airport.

Traveling without the Princess of Wales, who stayed at home to help Prince George with his school exams, Prince William’s welcome began at the Jewel, a tropical garden dome set inside the terminal building.

He then met some of those waiting to see him, including an eight-month-old baby who decided to suck his finger.

Earthshot, named after President Kennedy’s famous Moonshot Award, offers five £1m prizes to companies working on solutions to the climate crisis.

Two of this year’s 15 finalists are from the UK – Norwich-based Colorfix, which makes natural fabric dyes, and Enzo, a London-based tire company that supplies electric cars.

This year’s ceremony, which will be hosted by Ted Las star Hannah Waddingham and Black Panther actor Sterling K Brown, is lined up with a number of big names.

Prince William said: “Let’s all be inspired by the fantastic work being done here as we celebrate this year’s Earthshot Award finalists.”

Singapore is considered the greenest city in Asia and several iconic local landmarks will be lit up in green to mark the ceremony.

Some have questioned the climate credentials of the finalists flying all the way to Singapore, but Kensington Palace says this is balanced by the benefits of highlighting the green innovations featured in the awards.

These awards are now in their third year and are said to be a very personal project for Prince William.

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The Prince of Wales has taken up the mantle of campaigning on the climate crisis and the need for sustainable solutions after his father, who as a king cannot be so outspoken.

At the late Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee last year, it was Prince William who took to the stage outside Buckingham Palace and gave a speech highlighting environmental issues.

These trips, which come just days after the king’s state visit to Kenya, are an opportunity for a bit of royal PR on the world stage.

Last year’s Earthshot Awards in Boston were overshadowed by two events: Racing line at Buckingham Palaceand Prince Harry Netflix Trailer Released.

Kensington Palace hopes the three-day trip will pass without disruption or drama.