Prince William and Kate Middleton's secret romantic getaway

Beach island holiday fuels rumours the couple are set to wed

Monday, 20 August 2007

Prince William has taken his girlfriend Kate Middleton off to a secluded island in the Indian Ocean for a private, romantic break.

The visit to the exclusive Desroches island in the Seychelles bolsters talk that couple – who have dated on and off for about five years – are going strong once again and that a royal engagement may even be in the works.

The two 25-year-olds split in April, but it was only a matter of weeks before they were back together again, meeting up for secret dates including a party at army officer William's barracks.

Now, after a summer of clandestine meetings, they are in the Seychelles. Surrounded by coral and containing a single airstrip, Desroches (population only about 50) is just three miles long and fringed with about 10 miles of sandy beaches.

William, who is on vacation from the army following a troop commanders' course, flew in to the Seychelles from Kenya, where he had been staying with friend Jecca Craig. Middleton arrived from the U.K. late last week.

The lone hotel on the isle is the Desroches Island Resort, which has about 20 villas. William, who is a strong swimmer, is also an enthusiastic diver, and in their first few days on Desroches he and Middleton did some snorkeling, a local source tells PEOPLE.

As is the custom, a spokesman for the prince says there can be no comment.

By Simon Perry