William And Kate Visit 9/11 Memorial

The Duchess of Cambridge has described how she was moved by her visit to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.

Kate was joined by Prince William as the royal couple visited the sombre Ground Zero site during pouring rain on Tuesday.

Sixty-seven British citizens were killed in the 2001 terror attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

The Duke and Duchess laid a bouquet of flowers at one of the reflecting pools built in the footprints of the fallen towers.

The memorial museum's chief of staff Allison Blais said the Duchess told her she was particularly affected by being able to touch the names of the victims inscribed around the edge of the pools.

William and Kate were given a guided tour of the underground museum built in tribute to those who died on 9/11.

"She (Kate) talked about how in awe she was of the enormity of the space. It was something she did not anticipate," Ms Blais said.

At the end of their tour, William and Kate signed their names to the interactive steel beam commemorating the site.

They were also given a first-hand look inside the lobby of One World Trade, which opened last month.

A handful of onlookers braved the weather for a glimpse of the royal couple.

"I love them so much," said Kristina Crossan, a 24-year-old teacher from New Jersey.

Ariana Lesko, a 19-year-old student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, said Kate "was just a regular girl" before marrying William.

"She's just so down to earth and I think it gives the rest of us normal girls some hope," she said.

Later, the Duke and Duchess attend a black-tie, scholarship fundraiser for the University of St Andrews, where the royal couple met and earned degrees.