24 years old Kate Middleton, known as the girl of William Windsor as well as famous for her style savvy and keen eye for the perfect accessory, handbag or jewellery, joins the glamorous fashion industry.

Kate has started a new job as an accessories buyer for upmarket clothing chain Jigsaw, according to a British newspaper. She has been taken on by tycoon John Robinson, at whose Mustique home she spent Easter with her royal beau. The businessman is a close friend of Prince Charles. It is believed Kate, who has been working on setting up a childrenswear website, is hoping to learn more about the retailing and marketing side of the industry.

And the down-to-earth Berkshire lass has already made a favourable impression. Kate apparently mucked in on a fashion shoot in Shepherd's Bush, West London. "There's nothing snooty about Kate," a source told The Sun. "She was determined to make herself useful during the shoot - and that included making tea. Some of the staff there did find it a bit odd being waited on by the potential future Queen."