The guesswork continues, but North Island is still at the top of the list – at least that’s what “Focus” reports.
The wedding dress mystery is solved, but the honeymoon destination is not. The rumor mill continues to churn. Latest favorite: the noble Seychelles private island North Island.
The rumor mill has been buzzing for weeks: where will Prince William and his newlywed wife Princess Catherine honeymoon? Will he whisk her away to the South Seas, to a desert island, like Swedish Crown Princess Victoria did last summer with her newlywed husband Daniel? Or will he spend the supposedly best days of his life at the family estate, Balmoral Castle in Scotland, like his parents? But given the harsh climate there in early May, wouldn’t tropical temperatures like those in the Caribbean be more flattering? Or Kenya, according to the British media, Prince William is said to have suggested. After all, he had good experiences in the African country, where he got down on one knee in front of Kate and put his mother Diana’s engagement ring on her.
The local Isles of Scilly in the Channel or the distant Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia, were also repeatedly mentioned as possible destinations. The speculation was fueled by the ironclad secrecy of the royal court spokespeople. Even after saying “I do” on Friday, there has been no official statement so far.
At the same time, a statement by Farhad Vladi, an island broker who works mainly in Hamburg, is causing a stir – and new speculation. In the current issue of the “Hamburger Abendblatt”, the probably best-known island broker in the world explained: “Yes. We have rented the island to the British royal family. But you will understand that we cannot give any further details.” We are talking about North Island, a 2.5 square kilometer Seychelles island that functions exclusively as a 5-star resort.
This statement alone was enough to make the posh getaway the instant favorite (after all, there is even less tangible evidence of any other potential destination for the royal honeymoon). What speaks for North Island is the absolute seclusion of the island – after the weeks of hype and the enormous public attention, this was certainly a necessity for the bride and groom. And you can certainly switch off well here. In the past, many celebrities have appreciated this tranquillity. This can also be guaranteed. Simply because of the manageability of the island, which does not even have an airstrip. You can only get there by helicopter or boat. The nearest island is kilometers away.
There are also no locals living there. The entire island is an ecologically oriented private resort that belongs to the South African Wilderness Safari Group. South Africa and Seychelles – both members of the Commonwealth. Which would underline the connection to the British crown – another plus point. In addition, the Beckhams, who at least William became close to through their joint efforts to bring the European Football Championship to England, and who were also present at the wedding ceremony, celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary here. Perhaps there was a recommendation among acquaintances?
50,000 euros – per night
However, it has certainly been mentioned that a stay in paradise has its price. If you rent the resort, i.e. the island, exclusively for yourself and a maximum of 21 guests, you can expect to pay a tidy sum. Vladi Private Islands lists the price at 50,000 euros. Per night.
That is also the big counterargument. Much has been made of the fact that in times of recession in England, the royals should send out a signal of thriftiness. The honeymoon destination could have a signal effect. If the choice were to fall on a national goal, all the better. These two arguments – frugality and commitment to one’s own country – would not only not be fulfilled with North Island, but would symbolize the exact opposite: a sinfully expensive vacation in the tropics, around 10,000 kilometers away from London.
On the other hand, the Vladi-Island page at North Island also says: “Special offers possible”. Thanks to the rumor mill alone, the PR value should certainly justify such a special offer.