Prince William and his new wife Catherine Middleton left Buckingham Palace by party dresses helicopter Saturday morning, but will not be jetting off on honeymoon just yet.
The newlyweds will spend the rest of the weekend tucked away in a secluded location in the United Kingdom, and the Prince will return to his job as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot next week.
The newly-titled Duke and Duchess wedding gowns of Cambridge will head off on vacation together to celebrate their marriage at a later date, palace officials said.
The beaming husband and wife left the Queen's London residence, where they spent their first night as husband and wife, Saturday morning. They walked across the rear courtyard hand-in-hand, Kate dressed in a blue dress and dark jacket, and William in chinos, a shirt and jacket.
They stopped briefly to talk to two members of palace staff and then hopped in a waiting helicopter, which had already been loaded with their bags.
Last night, the couple partied into the early hours with 300 members of their closest friends and family. It capped off a fairytale day which began with a stunning wedding ceremony in Westminster Abbey, watched by thousands who lined the streets of the capital and millions bridal gown bridal dress worldwide.
After taking part in one of the most photographed events in history, the pair have now asked that their privacy be respected.
They are hoping to have a quiet weekend together away from the media spotlight, and their honeymoon location is a closely guarded secret. The British media reported that only the Prince, his bride and the Prince's private prom dress cocktail dress secretary know where they intend to go.
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen not to depart for a honeymoon immediately," a spokesman said. "Instead, after spending the weekend privately in the United Kingdom, the Duke will return to work as a search-and-rescue pilot next week.
"The locations of both their private weekend before the Duke returns to work and their future honeymoon, which will be overseas, will not be disclosed in advance."
There has been much speculation about possible locations.
Kenya, where William popped the question using his late mother's diamond-and-sapphire evening dresses engagement ring, is thought to be a favorite. A secluded private island in the Caribbean is another option, and Australia, Jordan and Scotland have also been mentioned.
Kate's family left the Goring Hotel - where she spent her last night as a single woman - Saturday and smiled widely for the waiting photographers.
"We had a wonderful time," the bride's father, Michael Middleton, said.
