Prince William and Kate Middleton—Honeymoon's Over!

Royal newlyweds return from a "memorable" 10-day vacation in the Seychelles

By Gina Serpe May 23, 2011 3:58 PMTags
Prince William, Catherine Middleton, Kate MiddletonJohn Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Literally. But hopefully not figuratively.

Newlyweds Prince William and Kate Middleton have returned to their North Wales home after 10 relaxing, romantic and, most importantly, media-free honeymooning days in the Seychelles.

So how was it? And what's next for the royal couple?

"The details of their honeymoon will remain private," a spokesperson for Clarence House said in a statement.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have returned to the United Kingdom from their honeymoon in the Seychelles. The couple thoroughly enjoyed their time together"—wink, wink, Palace. We hear what you're saying—"and they are grateful to the Seychelles government for their assistance in making the honeymoon such a memorable and special 10 days."

Those days reportedly included several diving expeditions in which they witnessed a turtle nest hatching, and saw coral, giant stingrays and sharks.

But just how thoroughly did they enjoy themselves on land?

Well, while the countdown is on for the emergence of a royal heir, the couple has stated that they're in no rush to procreate, saying in their engagement interview that while they hope to have a "happy family" themselves one day, that one day might not be any time soon.

"I think we'll take it one day at a time, get over the marriage first and then start thinking about kids," Wills said at the time. Still, royals time ticks by a little more quickly, and it would be a substantial breach of tradition if Kate didn't become pregnant within the next two years. So, you know, mark your calendars.

Meanwhile, as for their honeymoon in the Indian Ocean archipelago, details are scarce (and rightfully so), though the trip is rumored to have set the couple—or, more to the point, Middleton's parents, who reportedly foot the bill—somewhere in the vicinity of $720,000.

That cost includes security, travel, and the hefty cost renting of 11 villas at the North Island Lodge on the island of Mahé (ostensibly renting out the entire property for much-needed privacy purposes).

"The people of Seychelles are truly honored that Prince William and his wife chose to return to the Seychelles for this special holiday and we are proud to have been able to offer them a peaceful and private getaway," the island's foreign minister, Jean-Paul Adam said in a statement. "They left happy and clearly content with their stay."

The couple first traveled to the luxurious and secluded island back in 2007.

Though the couple left the island on Friday, it's unclear when Wills will return to his duties at RAF Valley in Anglesey, though it will likely be today if not sometime early this week.

As for what's next on the royal newlyweds' jetsetting itinerary: Queen Elizabeth's 85th birthday celebrations will take place on June 11 (her actual birthday was in April, though it conflicted with Maundy Thursday, a traditional religious event, so she delayed the festivities); Prince Philip's 90th birthday celebrations will take place on June 12 (also not his actual birthday), from June 30-July 8 they'll travel to their Canadian commonwealth and from then until July 10 they'll be making their much-anticipated visit to the California.

Better start rolling out the red carpets now.

Latest News