The Princess of Wales, Catherine, made a much-anticipated return to the Wimbledon Championships in July 2025, attending the ladies’ singles final at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. As patron of the Club since 2016, her appearance was a highlight of the tournament and marked another step in her gradual return to royal duties following a period of health-related absence.
Elegantly dressed in a royal blue dress, Catherine took her seat in the Royal Box alongside Prince William and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, to celebrate one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
However, while the public and press admired the Princess’s graceful presence, one of her newly appointed staff members also captured attention—Lieutenant Colonel Tom White, her new private secretary.
Who Is Lieutenant Colonel Tom White?
Lieutenant Colonel Tom White is a senior military officer with a distinguished career in the Royal Marines. His appointment as private secretary to the Princess of Wales places him in one of the most important administrative and strategic positions within the royal household.
A private secretary functions much like a chief of staff, coordinating official duties, managing schedules, liaising with charities and institutions, and ensuring the smooth execution of engagements. The position had remained vacant since 2022, making White’s appointment a significant moment for the Princess’s office.
Prior to this role, White served as an equerry to Queen Elizabeth II — a post held from 2020 until the Queen’s passing in 2022. His appointment marked a notable milestone: he was the first Royal Marine Commando to serve in that capacity, a testament to both his professionalism and his reputation within the British armed forces.
A Military Career of Distinguished Service
Lieutenant Colonel White brings to his new role a wealth of operational experience and leadership gained from his military service. According to verified reports from The Telegraph and Ministry of Defence briefings, he served with distinction in Afghanistan in 2009, where he took part in critical operations aimed at protecting civilian populations.
One widely reported mission involved thwarting a Taliban effort to bomb a local school in Helmand Province, a high-risk deployment zone during that period. His bravery and dedication in the field have earned him deep respect within military circles and a reputation for calm leadership under pressure.
His background is consistent with the royal family’s tradition of appointing experienced and disciplined individuals from the military into key roles. His progression from military command to royal household official highlights a seamless transition into public service in a non-combat capacity.
From Equerry to Private Secretary
As equerry to Queen Elizabeth II, White was responsible for assisting with official engagements, providing logistical support, and accompanying the monarch during public appearances. Equerries often serve as close aides to senior royals, requiring discretion, organizational precision, and strong diplomatic instincts.
His promotion to private secretary to the Princess of Wales reflects the trust placed in him by the Royal Household. The position is especially significant at a time when Princess Catherine is gradually resuming public engagements following medical treatment earlier in the year.
With Catherine being one of the most prominent members of the Royal Family, her private secretary plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role in supporting her duties as a senior working royal, charity patron, and future Queen Consort.
Wimbledon Appearance: A Moment of Public Interest
During the ladies’ final at Wimbledon, Tom White was seen accompanying the Princess of Wales, performing his role with professionalism and decorum. Dressed in a cream-colored double-breasted blazer and dark slacks, he stood out for his poised and polished demeanor.
Photographs from the event shared by reputable media outlets such as Getty Images, The Times, and BBC News captured the moment, prompting public curiosity about his identity. Social media users praised his formal presentation and composure, with discussions quickly focusing on his professional background rather than just his appearance.
The attention reflects the public’s growing interest in the people behind the scenes who support the royal family’s daily operations, especially as Princess Catherine continues to balance public expectations with personal recovery.
Strengthening the Princess’s Team
White’s appointment comes at a crucial time. As one of the monarchy’s most visible figures, the Princess of Wales has a demanding public schedule that includes advocacy in areas such as early childhood development, mental health, family support, and sport. Her patronages include the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, Heads Together, and Wimbledon’s governing body, among many others.
A strong, well-coordinated private office is essential to managing these duties effectively. White’s leadership and military discipline are expected to bring a structured approach to the Princess’s engagements, helping prioritize both outreach and personal well-being.
His addition to the royal household team may also signal a renewed focus on organizational efficiency, which is especially important as the royal family adapts to a new era under King Charles III’s reign.
A Broader Context: Military and the Monarchy
The integration of experienced military personnel into royal household roles is not new. The British monarchy has long-standing connections with the Armed Forces, with many royals holding honorary military appointments or having served in uniform themselves.
King Charles III, Prince William, and Prince Harry have all served in various branches of the military. Princess Anne, who holds several honorary military titles, is frequently seen attending military commemorations and parades.
By appointing former service members like Lieutenant Colonel White, the royal family continues to bridge the values of discipline, service, and duty between military institutions and the Crown.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Face in the Crowd
While Lieutenant Colonel Tom White may have caught public attention at Wimbledon, his appointment as private secretary to the Princess of Wales underscores his deep qualifications and exceptional track record of service.
From combat operations in Afghanistan to working alongside the late Queen, White’s path to this prestigious role reflects a career marked by loyalty, excellence, and dedication to public service. His presence within the Princess’s team is likely to provide strategic strength and organizational insight as she continues her important work on behalf of the Crown.
As the Royal Family evolves, professionals like Tom White play a vital role behind the scenes — ensuring that the institution remains responsive, relevant, and rooted in service.