William and Kate in UK for weekend

Newlyweds William and Kate have decided not to depart for their honeymoon immediately and will spend the weekend privately in the UK, St James's Palace said today.

The couple married at Westminster Abbey yesterday and, after spending last night partying at Buckingham Palace with family and friends, are taking a break at an undisclosed location.

But William will return to his job as a search and rescue helicopter pilot next week before the couple finally jet off on their overseas honeymoon.

It had been thought that the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would take two weeks off for the traditional post-wedding break.

But it appears they want some private time in familiar surroundings after one of the most important days in their life saw their marriage celebrated by the nation and beyond.

They will probably travel to the Queen's Balmoral Estate in Scotland, which will afford them privacy and stunning countryside in which to unwind.

They left Buckingham Palace this morning like a couple very much in love, walking hand in hand to a waiting helicopter which flew them off for their secret weekend break.

Before they boarded the aircraft, palace staff had carried out some of their luggage, which included a bouquet of white blooms.

A St James's Palace spokesman said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen not to depart for a honeymoon immediately.

"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."

St James's Palace stressed that the couple had asked that the media respect their privacy over the weekend and during their holiday.