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<\/p>\nThe Princess of Wales was spotted with Queen Elizabeth’s former aide during today’s birthday celebrations for the late monarch.<\/p>\n
As 190 guests enjoyed Buckingham Palace’s hospitality, including QEII tribute cocktails and birthday cake, eagle-eyed royal fans spotted the former royal equerry.<\/p>\n
Lieutenant Colonel Tom White was seen relishing the celebrations at Marble Hall.<\/p>\n
The Royal Marine had worked by Queen Elizabeth’s side right until her death on September 8, 2022.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He also served in Afghanistan in 2009, where he helped prevent disaster when the Taliban had planted a bomb in a school.<\/p>\n
When he started the role as Queen’s equerry in December 2020, he became the first Royal Marines commando to hold the position.<\/p>\n
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The Princess of Wales | Source: GETTY<\/p>\n
Following the late Queen’s death, he spent two years away from The Royal Family before re-entering the fray.<\/p>\n
He was later appointed as Catherine’s private secretary amid a Kensington Palace reshuffle in 2024.<\/p>\n
The Princess had actually been without anyone in the role for more than a year before bringing him on board.<\/p>\n
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Lieutenant Colonel Tom White, Queen Elizabeth | Source: GETTY<\/p>\n
This period coincided with a challenging time for Catherine, who underwent planned abdominal surgery and spent nearly two weeks in hospital.<\/p>\n
His appointment came as she returned to public life and their positive working relationship seems to have flourished since then.<\/p>\n
The lieutenant is also said to be an avid tennis fan and a keen player himself.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
They have also been snapped together enjoying a match at Wimbledon.<\/p>\n
Mr White was seen revelling in the centenary party hosted in memory of the late Queen this afternoon.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n