Even the royals need a little R&R every once in a while!

Prince William and Kate Middleton have just begun a week-long vacation in the Maldives – an island nation in the Indian Ocean – ahead of their official tour to New Zealand and Australia next month.

maldives

Because of their busy upcoming schedules, the couple is reportedly getting in some one-on-one time before they embark on the three-week tour in April. It appears Prince George did not accompany his parents to the Maldives, but the 7-month-old is expected to join them on their visit down under.

This is Kate’s second vacation this year, after traveling with baby George to the Caribbean island of Mustique in February for the Middleton family’s annual getaway in honor of matriarch Carole’s birthday.

For both trips, the royals traveled on commercial flights, reportedly taking British Airways on their way to the latest locale.

The duo will return in time to attend the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17 at Mons Barracks in Aldershot.

William will serve as Colonel of the Regiment while Kate will present the traditional sprigs of shamrocks to the Officers and Guardsmen of the Regiment, which she has done for the past two years.

kate middleton

William and Kate (who was pregnant with George) at last year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade