Kate Middleton has been asking Sir Richard Branson for career advice. The 27-year-old girlfriend of Britain's Prince William has had "several meetings" with the billionaire Virgin boss to improve her "business acumen."
A source told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "Kate is very close friends with Sir Richard's daughter Holly and has had several meetings with Richard."
"She's kept in regular contact and asked Sir Richard for his business advice. She respects him and thinks his guidance will assist her carving a new career for herself."
Kate has already used her friendship with Richard to hammer out a partnership between her parent's mail-order company Party Pieces and Virgin.
The Middleton's business will now offer "experience days", including surfing lessons and trips to football grounds and recording studios, which will be run by Virgin.
The source added: "Richard was only too happy to help her and has been instrumental in helping to set up the partnership with Party Pieces."
Kate reportedly hopes her increased role in her family's business will stop people thinking she is "work-shy" and just biding her time until William proposes.
The insider explained: "She thinks the criticism of her being work-shy is unfair, as she's really committed to her marketing role at her parents' firm."
"She has been taking a more active part in the business recently using contacts she's developed through her relationship with William and she hopes the relationship with Virgin will help make the company even more successful."
"Kate is determined to increase the Party Pieces profile and thought this would be the perfect partnership."
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