Catherine joins forces with late Queen’s former aide at Buckingham Palace

Ben McCaffrey
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:41:33 +0000

The Princess of Wales was spotted with Queen Elizabeth's former aide during today's birthday celebrations for the late monarch.

As 190 guests enjoyed Buckingham Palace's hospitality, including QEII tribute cocktails and birthday cake, eagle-eyed royal fans spotted the former royal equerry.

Lieutenant Colonel Tom White was seen relishing the celebrations at Marble Hall.

The Royal Marine had worked by Queen Elizabeth's side right until her death on September 8, 2022.

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Prior to his appointment at Buckingham Palace, Lt Col White was the former military assistant to Major General Matt Holmes, Commandant General of the Royal Marines.

He also served in Afghanistan in 2009, where he helped prevent disaster when the Taliban had planted a bomb in a school.

When he started the role as Queen's equerry in December 2020, he became the first Royal Marines commando to hold the position.

Following the late Queen's death, he spent two years away from The Royal Family before re-entering the fray.

He was later appointed as Catherine's private secretary amid a Kensington Palace reshuffle in 2024.

The Princess had actually been without anyone in the role for more than a year before bringing him on board.

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This period coincided with a challenging time for Catherine, who underwent planned abdominal surgery and spent nearly two weeks in hospital.

His appointment came as she returned to public life and their positive working relationship seems to have flourished since then.

The lieutenant is also said to be an avid tennis fan and a keen player himself.

With Catherine's role as the royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, the pair share a love for the sport.

They have also been snapped together enjoying a match at Wimbledon.

Mr White was seen revelling in the centenary party hosted in memory of the late Queen this afternoon.

He was joined by King Charles and Queen Camilla, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Even the most senior members of the family attended, with the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, aged 90 and 89, respectively, making the journey to honour the late sovereign.