Prince William Single-Handedly Planned His and Kate Middleton’s Romantic Honeymoon

Kate had no idea where they were headed on their two week luxurious break from reality until after their 2011 wedding.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Rachel Burchfield
By
published
in News

This April 29 marks 13 years since Prince William and Kate Middleton were married at Westminster Abbey as the world watched. We’ve heard ad nauseam about the wedding since it happened—hey, no complaints here!—but very little about the couple’s two week honeymoon that followed. And that, actually, is exactly what William wanted when he planned it.

Prince William and Kate Middleton

Nearly 13 years ago, William and Kate married as the world watched.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

That’s right—the honeymoon planning all came down to William, and “he decided to keep details of their honeymoon a secret from Kate until after the wedding,” The Mirror reports. “It was only then that the bride discovered that they would be spending two weeks in a private villa in the Seychelles.”

Seychelles

North Island's luxurious Villa 11 was likely where William and Kate stayed while on their honeymoon.

(Image credit: North Island Seychelles)

Seychelles

Villa 11 has its own pool and direct beach access, among other amenities.

(Image credit: North Island Seychelles)

Hello reports that the newlyweds stayed at North Island, a private island with only 11 luxurious villas, with the intent being total escape from the outside world (and its prying eyes—24 million viewers in the U.K. alone watched their 2011 wedding, The Mirror reports). Prices at the resort start (yes—start) at around 5,772 pounds per night and increase to around 9,086 pounds per night for the most exclusive villa designed especially for honeymooners, which is likely where William and Kate stayed, The Mirror writes. (George and Amal Clooney also stayed there following their 2014 wedding, and Salma Hayek also honeymooned on the island.)

Seychelles

No words necessary.

(Image credit: North Island Seychelles)

Seychelles

In addition to William and Kate, George and Amal Clooney also honeymooned in the Seychelles, as did Salma Hayek.

(Image credit: North Island Seychelles)

Villa 11—the aforementioned most exclusive villa—spans over 8,000 square feet, has its own private swimming pool and deck, direct access to the beach, and stunning sunrise views, Hello reports. The team promises to “spoil, surprise, and delight” during guests’ respective stays. Sign us up!

Activities offered include scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, surfing, and cycling; there are also spa facilities onsite and, of course, beautiful white sand beaches. To make sure each experience is completely unique, the chef in the restaurant doesn’t provide a menu, but instead cooks meals according to guests’ individual tastes. Food the country is known for includes spice-infused curries—which no doubt Kate would have loved while there. (William? Probably not so much.)

Seychelles

 The Seychelles is a cluster of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa.

(Image credit: North Island Seychelles)

The Seychelles is a cluster of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa; if you’re looking to plan a visit there yourself, the best times to visit are reportedly April, May, October, and November, which makes sense as to why William chose to go there for their honeymoon. Temperatures average in the 80s and December to March is monsoon season—so probably best to avoid planning your trip then, unless that’s what you’re into. The Seychelles has a unique biodiversity and is the only place in the world other than the Galapagos where giant tortoises run wild.

Seychelles

The country is the only place in the world other than the Galapagos where giant tortoises run wild.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Seychelles

Imagine waking up to this view every morning.

(Image credit: North Island Seychelles)

Seychelles

The amenities at North Island are second to none.

(Image credit: North Island Seychelles)

In less than two weeks, William and Kate will mark their 13th wedding anniversary; The Mirror reports that “They will likely spend the day privately together—particularly in light of Kate’s cancer diagnosis.” At least they have memories of the Seychelles, and the expectation of more romantic trips together in the future.

Rachel Burchfield
Rachel Burchfield
Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor

Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of Podcast Royal, a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts I’d Rather Be Reading, which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more. 

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