Prince William has arranged for his girlfriend Kate Middleton to be taught the art of photography by Mario Testino, who was the favourite photographer of his mother Princess Diana.

Testino, who has taken many shots of the Princes, has agreed to let Kate work as an intern at his studios in New York in March. It’s reported that Kate and the photographer have already had one meeting to discuss the assignments.

Kate, who has endured much suffocating attention from the paparazzi — as did Diana — is said, nevertheless, to be interested in a career in photography, especially tending toward the artistic end of the spectrum. Her speciality is thought to be abstract photography.

Mario Testino, 53, has become close to both Prince William and Prince Harry since their mother’s death. The Princes chose his photographs to illustrate the successful Concert for Diana last year marking the 10th anniversary of her death. He was also in the congregation at the service at Guards Chapel on the anniversary.

Other Royal work has involved photographing the Princes on their birthdays and the shots for the official Christmas card sent by the Prince of Wales.

Let’s hope this story has more substance than the Tom Ford connection last year. Also that Kate’s close protection squad will be available by March.

Meanwhile, Prince William apparently celebrated his first solo flight this week with a night at the Pitcher and Piano pub in Nottingham, which is a fair way to go from Cranwell, Lincs. Maybe he borrowed a plane for the occasion.

Where next for Royal dumpee Kate Middleton? Will she spread her wings and fly farther and faster than a berth with the Royal Family would have allowed?

It seems so. There’s talk of an offer of PR consultancy work with New York designer Tom Ford.

Kate is said to have told her family thats she’s considering a “temporary” move to New York. Part of the reason is to escape the relentless exposure of media coverage in the UK.

The more intriguing explanation is that she’s exploring the resurrection of her former plans for an online children’s clothing business — something we suggested last week. A spell with a fashion house in the Big Apple would be invaluable for making those international contacts necessary for business success in the 21st century.

Although Kate is said not to consider herself a fashion geek, like all young women she keeps an eye on current trends.

If she makes the move, Kate will certainly take with her the Royal Anecdotes seal of approval. Go for it, gal.