Mustique
Mustique, the island where Kate and her family are reportedly stayingBeing a Duchess can be rough. It isn't all tea and crumpets and pillbox hats all the time. Sometimes Kate Middleton just needs a break from it all. And right now, she's getting it. Duchess Catherine is currently lounging in the Caribbean sun -- on the island of Mustique, to be exact -- with her family. Her original family, that is: Mom Carole, Dad Mike, Pippa, brother James, and of course, at least two bodyguards. She left Prince William -- and all his royal baggage -- at home. 

Of course, the reason Kate isn't vacationing with her husband is because he couldn't get time off of work. He's reportedly spending this week at the Royal Air Force base near the couple's home in Anglesey, Wales, and will join Kate and her family for some fun in the sun as soon as he finishes his shift.

It is a little odd that Kate is vacationing with nary a royal, save for herself, in sight. It's sort of like the old times before she became part of "the family" and all their rules and regulations. It's gotta be so freeing and relaxing for Catherine. But, of course, the vacation won't be just like the old times.

I'm sure there are at least 10 paparazzi in various locales on the island just waiting to snag a photo of Kate. Or, of course, of Pippa. I bet it's great being away from all things stuffy and proper, but it can't be super relaxing knowing that the unwanted flash of a camera might lie just around the bend.

Although, I guess it's a small price one must pay in order to be future Queen of England. The paparazzi most certainly are annoying, but hey, not everyone gets to take a vacation from ... a lifelong vacation.

Do you think Kate will find some peace and quiet on her vacation, er, holiday?

 

Image via Jason Pratt/Flickr