King and Queen’s senior equerry to step down at end of yearCharles and Camilla are said to be most grateful for Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson’s support over the past seven years.The King’s equerry Major Johnny Thompson in 2023 (Paul Ellis/PA)PA ArchiveTony Jones2 minutes ago
The King and Queen’s senior equerry, who attracted a large online following, is to step down from his role supporting the royal couple.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, who is a popular figure among some royal fans who have set up an Instagram accounted dedicated to the officer, is leaving his post at the end of the year, after seven years with the royal household.
The equerry serves with the Royal Regiment of Scotland and will also leave the military to pursue a career in the private sector after more than 20 years as a soldier.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is greeted by Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, equerry to the King, in February 2023 (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)PA Archive
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Their Majesties were of course aware of this plan in advance and I know they are most grateful to Jonny for his support over the past seven years and wish him all the best for the future.”
Lt Col Thompson was part of the King and Queen’s official entourage during their state visit to America in April where he proved a hit.
Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart posted praise and a picture of the equerry after the state visit ended, saying on her Instagram account: “Can’t believe I got this close to the ‘hot equerry’…”
She appeared to have met the officer during a New York event celebrating the work of the King’s Trust and showcasing the UK’s cultural impact on the city.
Queen Elizabeth II inspects Balaklava Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland commanded by then-Major Johnny Thompson (Andrew Milligan/PA)PA Archive
The businesswoman added: “We actually spoke while waiting for King Charles to get to us for a few words. Totally charming, completely cool. Exceedingly handsome.”
The senior equerry was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in April 2006 and served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan before commanding Balaklava Company, the regiment’s 5th battalion, based in Edinburgh.
While in command he led the ceremonial and military support for the late Queen’s annual residence at Balmoral in 2018 and the following year, and in December 2019 was appointed equerry to Charles and Camilla.
He became the King’s equerry on Charles’s accession to the throne in September 2022 and two years later was promoted to the role of senior equerry to the King and Queen.
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