Pride in Seychelles over reported royal honeymoon

[May 11, 2011]  VICTORIA, Seychelles (AP) -- With its sandy beaches, clear waters and secluded hideaways, the Seychelles is a honeymoon destination fit for a future king -- and residents say they're proud Prince William and Kate are reportedly honeymooning here.

British media said the pair jetted off Tuesday to the Seychelles, a string of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) off the eastern coast of Kenya.

A company that owns many exclusive, lush islands in remote locations has refused to give out any details of the royal honeymoon until it is over. Buckingham Palace also has requested the royal couple's privacy be respected while they are on holiday.

However, a local newspaper splashed the headline Wednesday morning: "Seychelles in the Honeymoonlight."

The Seychelles has only 90,000 people and is used to hosting celebrities and the fabulously wealthy.

"Many of them come on holiday and walk the streets sometimes unnoticed," said Antoine Onezeim, the chief executive of the island nation's broadcasting corporation. "Our approach is to let the visitors enjoy their holidays in our country without any disturbance."

Still, Marilyn Eder, the owner of the Pirates Arms pub, said she'd be happy to see the royal couple eat at her restaurant.

"I am very happy that they are here on holiday, having a good time," said Rene Vidod, 70, a retired policeman, as he sat at the pub Wednesday morning. "Everyone here is happy."

Prince William and his bride, who are now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are reportedly staying on the secluded North Island -- some 19 miles (30 kilometers) away from the capital of Victoria.

William proposed to Kate last October in a rustic log cabin on the slopes of Kenya's highest peak, Mount Kenya. Both Kenya and the Seychelles are former British colonies.

[Associated Press; By ED BROWN]

Associated Press reporter Jason Straziuso in Nairobi, Kenya contributed to this report.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.