WE NEVER EVEN knew they were away! Royal newly-weds Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton have returned from a ten-day honeymoon in the Seychelles.

Officials from St James’s Palace confirmed the couple had returned to Britain saying that the pair “thoroughly enjoyed their time together, and they are grateful to the Seychelles government for their assistance in making the honeymoon such a memorable and special 10 days.”

The Seychelles coast guard helped ensure the couple’s privacy as they stayed on North Island in the Indian Ocean paradise.

On their last day the royal couple invited the coast guard ashore to personally thank them for their efforts.

The couple married last month, before William returned to work briefly.

The royal family and the Seychelles government had refused to disclose their location, saying the two were entitled to privacy on their honeymoon.

It is reported in People that William will be back at his day job with the RAF in Anglesey in the coming week.

The magazine adds that the next public occasion for the couple will be the ceremonial duties to mark the 85th birthday of Queen Elizabeth on 11 June followed by more birthday celebrations on 12 June for Prince Philip.

- additional reporting from AP