The royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011, was a highly anticipated and celebrated event, watched by millions worldwide. After nearly a decade of courtship, the couple’s fairytale nuptials at Westminster Abbey marked the beginning of their married life. However, amidst the public fanfare, Prince William had a delightful surprise in store for his new bride once the festivities concluded.
While the wedding itself was a grand public affair, the newlyweds sought privacy to enjoy their first few weeks of marriage. It was then that Prince William revealed his thoughtful gesture – he had kept the details of their honeymoon destination a secret from Kate until after the wedding. Only after tying the knot did the bride discover that they would be spending two blissful weeks in a private villa in the Seychelles, away from the public eye.
This considerate act by Prince William allowed the couple to savor the intimacy of their new marital bond, free from the scrutiny of the media and the demands of royal duties. The secluded honeymoon in the Seychelles provided them with a serene and romantic escape, marking the start of their journey as husband and wife.
North Island, a private island resort with only 11 luxurious villas, provided the perfect secluded getaway for the royal couple after their highly publicized wedding, which was watched by an estimated 24 million viewers in the UK alone. This exclusive destination offers complete privacy and seclusion from the outside world.
The resort’s nightly rates start at €6,433 (around £5,772) and can reach up to €10,126 (around £9,086) for the most exclusive villa, designed specifically for honeymooners – likely the accommodation chosen by the royal couple. Notably, celebrities such as George and Amal Clooney, who stayed there after their 2014 wedding, and Salma Hayek, who also honeymooned on the island, have enjoyed the resort’s luxurious offerings.
North Island offers a range of activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, surfing, and cycling, allowing guests to explore the island’s natural beauty. Alternatively, the newlyweds could have indulged in the spa facilities or simply relaxed on the pristine white sandy beaches, making the most of their private retreat.
The luxury experience at this establishment extends beyond the accommodations. To ensure a truly unique dining encounter, the chef forgoes a traditional menu and instead crafts meals tailored to each guest’s individual preferences and tastes.
In less than two weeks, William and Kate will commemorate their 13th wedding anniversary. Given Kate’s recent cancer diagnosis, they will likely opt for a private celebration. Last year, the couple shared a heartwarming snapshot on their official Twitter account, depicting them embracing on bicycles under the Norfolk sun, accompanied by the caption “12 years” and a love heart emoji.
Since their nuptials, William and Kate have welcomed three children into their family: Prince George, aged 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and their youngest, 5-year-old Prince Louis.