Pippa Middleton turns down US showbiz career for Catherine

Pippa Middleton has ended her dreams of a showbiz career in the US for fear of embarrassing her sister, Britain's Duchess Catherine.

The 29-year-old brunette has received several interview offers on American talk shows but she has turned them down due to concerns she may create further unwanted publicity for Catherine - known as Kate Middleton prior to her and Prince William's wedding in April last year - following the recent publication of topless photographs of the duchess.

A US source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Pippa has been besieged with offers from the US media offering a raft of opportunities - like being a special correspondent on shows like 'Entertainment Tonight', as well as interviews with Oprah Winfrey and others."

Pippa - who shot to fame when she was maid of honour at Catherine's wedding - has also been forced to cancel plans to promote her new party planning book, 'Celebrate', in the US out of respect for her sister.

A source told the New York Daily News: "If Pippa is quizzed about Kate's topless pictures, whatever answer she gives will generate more news and upset Wills and Kate.

"Viking was hoping that there would be a huge swell of publicity for this book which would lead to sales. Nobody has really ever heard Pippa speak before and US audiences are fascinated by her.

"This could have launched a new lucrative career here."

Photo: BANG Showbiz