The Princess of Wales captivated spectators in a breathtaking yellow dress on day two of Royal Ascot this week, marking her first attendance at the world-renowned Berkshire fixture for two years. Royal fans were taken by surprise to see Kate in the Royal Box, being welcomed by a man with a kiss on the cheek, prompting some to question who was greeting her so affectionately.
A video of the warm greeting was uploaded on X, formerly Twitter, with the caption: "Princess Catherine and Thomas van Straubenzee, Prince William's best mate. I love how William's mates have embraced her as family and they always have a jolly time when they get together." However, while Thomas van Straubenzee does feature in the footage, he is in the background, chatting and laughing with Kate and the other man.
Who Greeted Kate?
In fact, the person who warmly welcomed Kate is Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, another long-standing friend of Prince William, and godfather to Prince Louis. Another X user remarked: "Love how Charlotte's godfather Thomas [van] Straubenzee was there too (facing the camera), and Louis' godfather Harry Aubrey-Fletcher (kissing Catherine's cheek). Those men are the brothers he should have had!"
The Princess of Wales appeared stunning in a Roksanda Brigitte Dress in a cheerful shade of vivid yellow, accompanied by a pair of earrings owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II. She had previously donned the midi dress, which boasts a tailored silhouette, a full skirt, and an oversized bow detail on the shoulder, at the 2022 Wimbledon finale, reports the Mirror.
Who is Harry Aubrey-Fletcher?
Harry attended Ludgrove Prep School in Wokingham, Berkshire, alongside William and Thomas, and was also at Eton alongside the Prince of Wales. He and William are frequently spotted enjoying each other's company, and served as ushers at each other's weddings, according to Tatler. Harry, son of former lord-lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Sir Henry Egerton Aubrey-Fletcher, 8th Baronet, is also godfather to Prince Louis, and last year purchased the 760-acre Batham Estate in Devon. He was also personally appointed by William as adviser to the £1.3 billion Duchy of Cornwall.
He co-founded investment company Carden Group, and previously worked as strategic land director at developer Taylor Wimpey, as well as bankers J.P. Morgan, Carden Group's website says.
Who is Thomas van Straubenzee?
Thomas is godfather to Princess Charlotte, while both he and his brother Charlie acted as ushers at Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018. William and Thomas are both passionate Aston Villa supporters, and have been spotted at matches together, accompanied by Prince George, who also backs the club, according to Tatler. The Prince of Wales is additionally godfather to Thomas' daughter May.
He serves as global head of real estate firm Knight Franks' private office, overseeing property transactions across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, according to The Marque. He also holds the position of chairman of the Philanthropy Board of the Royal Albert Hall.
William and Harry previously served as joint patrons of the Henry van Staubenzee Memorial Fund, established in 2007 in honour of Thomas' brother Henry, who died in a road crash in 2002, aged 18. The fund raised vital funds to support children in Uganda, where Henry had been due to teach during his gap year, and ceased operations in 2024.
