Kate Middleton's Testino lessons

Jan 21, 2008, 13:30 GMT

Kate Middleton, the girlfriend of Britain's Prince William, is to have photography lessons with Mario Testino.

William arranged for Kate to receive private training from the world famous lens man - who was close friends with his late mother Princess Diana and took her iconic Vogue magazine cover shots - after Kate revealed she was desperate to become a fashion photographer.

Kate, 26, is believed to have flown to New York to meet Testino last November, and she is planning to return to his studio for further lessons in March.

A friend of Kate's told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Kate is very excited.

"She is itching to get her teeth into a new career and says William has been fantastically supportive."

William first asked Testino - who took William's brother Prince Harry's official 21st birthday photographs in 2005 - to help Kate when the pair attended a service to mark the 10th anniversary of Diana's death last September.

The 25-year-old prince reportedly believes it will be easier for him to concentrate on his military career if Kate is busy working on her own projects.

The source added: "Now Kate is focused on something it will be far easier for William to throw himself into his military and royal duties."

Kate quit as a buyer for high street fashion chain Jigsaw last October.

(C) BANG Media International