Princess Kate Middleton recently appointed Lt. Col. Tom White as her new private secretary, drawing attention for his resemblance to tennis star Roger Federer. White, who previously served as the late Queen Elizabeth's equerry, is well-versed in working for the royal family. He joined Princess Kate's team after a stint with the Royal Marines, where he notably helped prevent a school bombing in Afghanistan in 2009.
White's appointment signifies a return to tradition for the royal household, reflecting their close ties to the military. Princess Kate's previous private secretaries include Hannah Cockburn-Logie and Catherine Quinn, with whom she reportedly parted on good terms.
Meanwhile, Prince William also made a staffing change by bringing in Ian Patrick to run his office. Patrick, a former diplomat with experience in international peacekeeping, is a trustee of Crohns and Colitis U.K. The couple is set to announce a CEO-type appointment to lead their joint teams in the near future.
Both Princess Kate and Prince William have been strategic in selecting individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise to support their royal duties. These recent appointments signal a fresh direction for the royal couple's staff, as they continue to navigate their roles within the monarchy.
