William, Kate leave for secret honeymoon ***

LONDON, Apr 30 (AFP): Prince William and his bride left for their honeymoon Saturday, heading to a secret destination having partied through the night following their wedding watched around the world. The couple departed Buckingham Palace by helicopter for an undisclosed location and have made it clear they want the media to respect their privacy during their honeymoon. The Duchess of Cambridge, as Kate is now officially known, wore a belted short blue dress, with a cropped black jacket and black wedge heels, while the prince was dressed in an open-necked white shirt, dark blazer and beige chinos. The smiling couple held hands as they strolled through the palace grounds, then shook hands with royal staff before leaving. The pageantry of their wedding service gave way to a night of dinner and dancing for the royal couple and 300 guests, who partied until 3:00 am. The secrecy surrounding the couple's honeymoon destination has led to intense speculation. All that is known is that William has taken two weeks' leave from his job as a Royal Air Force search and rescue helicopter pilot. William, the second-in-line to the throne, has a deep love of Africa and he proposed to Kate in Kenya last year, so that has been mooted as a possible honeymoon spot. Jordan has also been touted as a possibility and would have nostalgic appeal for Kate as her family lived in the kingdom for two years when she was a child. But given the current upheaval in the Middle East, it might be considered a compromised choice. A secluded Caribbean island would allow the couple to escape the prying eyes of the media. Bequia and Necker Island all have the benefit of being easily secured, and Kate's wealthy entrepreneur parents are frequent visitors to the ultra-exclusive Mustique. Lizard Island, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, has also emerged as a contender.