Kate’s gift out-of-this-world

December 28, 2012

Kate Winslet’s new husband has given her a trip to space as a wedding gift.

The 37-year-old actress wed Ned RocknRoll in a private ceremony in New York earlier this week, and the newlyweds will celebrate their union with the extraordinary two-hour flight into orbit courtesy of RocknRoll’s uncle, Sir Richard Branson, according to The Sun newspaper.

RocknRoll, 34, works part-time for Branson’s space flights venture, Virgin Galactic, which aims to offer commercial flights above Earth’s atmosphere from next year, and suggested the gift to the billionaire tycoon, who offered a trip to his nephew and his new bride for free.

Tickets for the space journey cost a whopping £124 000, and have been snapped up already by the likes of actor Ashton Kutcher and comedian Russell Brand.

The couple will fly a dizzying 60 miles above the planet, where they will experience weightlessness and see the Earth’s curve.

Winslet has previously expressed her desire of an astronomical trip.

Branson revealed in September: "She wants to go into space. I’m not sure she wants to go on a one-way trip to Mars, but she wants to go into space."

Winslet – who has daughter Mia (12) with first husband Jim Threapleton and son Joe (9) with second spouse Sam Mendes – met RocknRoll in August 2011 while on holiday in Necker Island which is owned by Branson.

The actress saved Branson’s 90-year-old mother, guiding her to safety after her home was struck by lightning.

Winslet and RocknRoll exchanged £250 000 wedding rings in an intimate ceremony, but will invite all of their family and friends to celebrate with them in Necker Island next year.

A source said: "They’re having a belated celebration so everyone’s really happy and excited for them."