Father of Kate Middleton's new equerry admits he does look like tennis superstar Roger Federer - but says he's better at military manoeuvres than hitting aces and will be asset to the Princess of Wales

The father of Kate Middleton's new equerry has admitted his son does bear a striking resemblance to tennis superstar Roger Federer. 

Royal fans have been quick to remark on how much Lt. Col Tom White looks like the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, his father Garry said friends first noticed the resemblance when Federer became the world's number one for the first time, back in 2004.

'He has a look of Roger Federer - all our friends comment on it, said Garry outside his home in Portsmouth, Hampshire. Quite a few people have commented that frequently.'

Pictured: Lt. Col Tom White in uniform pictured with his wife Stephanie 

The Princess of Wales has enjoyed an enduring friendship with tennis ace Roger Federer for many years (Pair pictured above)

Lt Col Tom White has become the new equerry to Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales

Friends first noticed the resemblance between Col. White and Federer when the latter became the world's number one for the first time, back in 2004

The dashing former Royal Marine Commando, who was this week named as the new Private Secretary to the Princess of Wales, is also a talented tennis player – but not quite up to the standard of his doppelganger.

Garry, 66, a former Government worker, said: 'He has played tennis but not to the standard of Roger Federer' before adding 'I wish he could play like him.'

Garry said his son was a keen sportsman and while he did not talk about his new royal role, he couldn't hide his pride at his military career.

'Ultimately, he is a Royal Marine Commando, and we are really proud of what he has achieved' he said. He has come from pretty humble beginnings.'

The love of sports for White and his 37-year-old wife Stephanie is evident from photos on their social media. One photo shows the happy couple smiling while enjoying a snowboarding holiday in Vermont in the US.

Other photographs are of their wedding day a decade ago with one happy snap showing the couple walking arm in arm.

Another shows his comrades from his regiment forming a guard of honour with their ceremonial swords as the smiling couple leave the church.

In another, Stephanie posed with half a dozen of his regiment supporting her in their arms as she laid horizontally outside the church for a fun photo.

The couple, who now live in London, own a £635,000 house in Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire and have a young daughter.

They had previously lived in Exeter near White's regiment, 42 Commando, and close to his parents in Portsmouth.

Royal fans were quick to remark on the similarity in looks between White and 42-year-old Federer when his appointment was made public.

The Swiss star has, over the years, formed a close friendship with the Princess, an avid tennis player and fans.

Pictured: Stephanie posed with half a dozen of White's regiment supporting her in their arms as she laid horizontally outside the church

 Lt. Col Tom White and his wife Stephanie on their wedding day a decade ago 

The pair played together on court last year as part of a film celebrating the role of the ball boys and girls at the lawn tennis championship.

Kate even served up the winning shot in a friendly doubles match leaving the eight times Wimbledon champion to exclaim 'Amazing'.

Federer, who retired from competitive tennis in 2022, has also given Prince George a few lessons.

Once Kate has recovered from her surgery and resumes her royal duties it is likely Federer, and his doppelganger will no doubt come face to face at Wimbledon this summer.

The similarity has already been noted on social media with one user writing on X, formerly Twitter, 'Oh my, he looks like Roger Federer', followed by a heart-eyed emoji.

Another wrote:' He's so handsome.'

Lt Col. White is likely to fit seamlessly into his new role as Kate's right-hand man.

He is no stranger to royal duties having joined Buckingham Palace in 2020. 

While an equerry to the late Queen, he was seen with her at many events, and welcomed Boris Johnson to Balmoral when he resigned as Prime Minister to pass the role to Liz Truss.

His mother Kay, 67, told MailOnline her son marched alongside the Queen's coffin at her funeral.

'He was with the Queen all the way to the end' she said.

Her son became the front runner to the coveted role of equerry to the Princess when he was invited to join her last November an upcoming engagement.

As well as dashing good looks, White is also a decorated war hero.

He helped avert tragedy in Helmand Province in 2009 as a member of 42 Commando, after the Taliban rigged up an explosive booby trap in a school.

Wires for the device, which was set to be triggered by a pressure plate that would go off when the padlocked school room door was broken down by his troops, were spotted by the elite force.

Then aged 22, Lieutenant White, who was 7 Troop's commander, said afterwards 'It turns your stomach to think what could have happened if we hadn't found the bombs.

'These people knew they could have blown a lot of kids sky high – and they didn't care.

'I have quite a low opinion of someone who would bomb a school. They don't value young life at all.'

In his new role Lt. Col White has been appointed as a director to the Prince and Princess of Wales Royal Foundation.

The foundation is the main the philanthropic and charitable vehicle for the royal couple focusing on conservation and mental health.