Married life began for newlyweds William and Kate today when they left London for a mystery destination.

The couple spent last night partying at Buckingham Palace with their close family and friends in celebration of their wedding.

At the black-tie do, which started with dinner in the palace's lavish ballroom and ended with dancing into the small hours, Prince Harry gave his best man's speech.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as the couple are now known after the Queen bestowed the title on her grandson, are expected to travel abroad for their honeymoon sometime in the next two weeks.

But this morning they left Buckingham Palace by helicopter for an undisclosed destination.

William and Kate began their journey by emerging hand in hand from the palace's garden entrance, located at the side of the imposing building.

In bright sunshine, they strolled along the gravel path and out into the open space where the maroon helicopter was waiting.

The Duke's new wife wore a light blue dress, dark jacket and platform shoes, while he was dressed in his trademark chinos with a pale blue shirt and navy jacket - a casual look in complete contrast to yesterday.

The couple, who spent the night at the Queen's official London home, stopped briefly to chat to two Royal Household footmen and appeared to be thanking for them after their stay.

When they finished, William put his hand on the small of his wife's back and they went over to talk to the helicopter pilot before climbing on board.

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

The couple are said to still be on a high after their wedding day which was both an intimate family affair and a global event televised across the world.

Speculation has been mounting about where the couple could spend their time away together. Likely honeymoon destinations could include Africa - a continent for which William has a deep affection. He could take his wife to countries like Botswana, or Kenya, where he proposed.

There has been speculation that a secluded Caribbean island may be another option.

The couple could continue their wedding theme of championing the UK and spend part of their break in Scotland, where both the Queen and the Prince of Wales have private homes they could use.