Wills, Kate spend weekend in secret spot

Shunning an immediate overseas honeymoon and opting instead for a quiet weekend at a secret British location, Prince William and Kate Middleton made it clear Saturday they want to carve out some space for themselves.

The royal newlyweds started the day by asking the media not to intrude this weekend and to leave them alone when they eventually start their honeymoon. Separately, palace officials asked the media not to reveal where the couple live near William's Royal Air Force base in Wales.

He will return to military duty there as a helicopter rescue pilot after the holiday weekend, which ends Monday.

The couple, walking hand in hand on the grounds of Buckingham Palace, boarded a helicopter Saturday morning to a secret location, then issued a statement asking to be left alone.

"The couple have asked that their privacy be respected during the coming weekend and during their honeymoon," according to a message posted on the official royal wedding website.

Previously, officials said William had scheduled two weeks of leave from his military duties amid indications that the honeymoon would begin a day or two after the wedding. But the couple said on the website that they would take an overseas honeymoon at a later date.

Privacy has long been the couple's main concern while planning their honeymoon. They are thought to have considered private islands in the Caribbean and hideaways in Africa, where William has traveled extensively in the past.

Another option, one they may be using this weekend, is Queen Elizabeth II's Balmoral Estate in Scotland, which contains vast secluded areas where the couple would be likely left alone. -- AP