Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Pippa’s £3,000 a night love isle
NEWLYWEDS HEAD FOR SOUTH PACIFIC:
Nobody knew the honeymoon plans. It was a closely kept secret PAL OF PIPPA ON BREAK ON ROMANTIC TETIAROA
PIPPA Middleton will spend her honeymoon on a remote paradise island with seriously heavyweight Hollywood credentials.
Tetiaroa in the South Pacific, where her stay with new hubby James Matthews will cost £3,000 a night, was once owned by actor Marlon Brando. The hell-raising legend fell in love with the tiny atoll while filming 1962 classic Mutiny on the Bounty – and snapped it up for just £15,000 in 1966. He insisted he wanted it to remain unspoilt and after his death in 2004 it was re-developed as The Brando, an eco-resort with 35 thatched villas. Pippa and James jet out from Heathrow this week – and most of their wedding guests had absolutely no idea where they are going. One pal said: “Nobody knew about the honeymoon plans. It was a very closely kept secret. And those who did know didn’t mention a thing. “Just like the request to post no pictures [of the wedding] on Facebook and Instagram, none of their friends and family let them down.” Pippa, 33, and James, 41, are believed to have chosen Tetiaroa after studying several options. The island, which is part of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, lies 30 miles north of Tahiti and is made up of 12 islets surrounding a stunning turquoise lagoon. The Pacific Beachcomber Group, which owns the resort, says it developed it in line with Brando’s vision. A spokesman said: “The Brando is a pioneering model of sustainable technology, with seawater air-conditioning and renewable energies, without any sacrifice to luxury or comfort. Designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture, the resort features 35 deluxe villas, each with its own private beach area and mini plunge pool.” And the bill for the break will certainly not trouble the happy couple, as they and their families are believed to have splurged around £700,000 on their big day – whereas the average wedding costs £16,000. The society nuptials of the year kicked off on Saturday with the ceremony at 12th-century St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berks. Guests included tennis ace Roger Federer, TV star Donna Air and Princess Eugenie. Also among the congregation was Pippa’s controversial uncle, Gary Goldsmith, and Lady Gabriella Windsor, daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Pippa’s nieces, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, were among the pageboys and bridesmaids. The best man was James’s brother, Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews. The reception was at Pippa’s nearby family home, £6million Bucklebury Manor, and the entire day went without a hitch – including the plan to sneak Prince Harry’s girlfriend Meghan Markle in for the reception. Harry, 32, slipped away during the afternoon and drove back to London to pick up the Suits actress, 35. Sources insisted she was invited to the entire day but, after discussing things with Harry, decided not to do anything that might upstage Pippa, so Meghan was smuggled in later. Now that Pippa’s big day is out of the way, bookies William Hill believe the coast is clear for besotted Harry to pop the question to Meghan. The odds of a 2017 engagement have been slashed from 3/1 to 2/1. William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: “Prince Harry’s wild days appear to be behind him and it looks as if he has found the perfect girl in Meghan to settle down. “Clearly, Meghan is used to the limelight and the constant scrutiny would be water off a duck’s back.” William Hill are also offering 2/1 that Pippa has a child by May 20, 2018. And she is 8/1 to appear on Strictly this year and 25/1 to enter the jungle in I’m A Celebrity. Mr Adams added: “The BBC would have to break the bank to get Pippa but we think the viewing figures would justify the fee.”