King Charles’ kilt-clad equerry who gained legion of fans quits his role
Buckingham Palace announced that the King and Queen’s senior equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, will leave his role at the end of the year
King Charles with Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, who is leaving his role at the end of the year(Image: Getty Images)
The King’s senior equerry, who helped guide him through his early reign, is to step down from his role, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, who serves both Charles and Queen Camilla, is to leave the Royal Household and the British Army at the end of the year, after nearly 22 years of military service. The equerry has become popular with royal fans and is often seen at the King’s side during high-profile outings, wearing a kilt and the ceremonial uniform of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The married dad-of-two played a key role in Charles’ Coronation and has accompanied Charles and Camilla on their overseas state visits, including the one to the United States to see President Donald Trump earlier this year. He is also credited with supporting the King and Queen across military, constitutional and ceremonial duties.
Lieutenant Colonel Thompson is leaving his role after seven years (Image: Getty Images)
The equerry is nearly always seen wearing a kilt(Image: Getty Images)
Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart posted praise and a picture of the equerry after the US 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. 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.”
He informed the wider Royal Household today that he will conclude his role at the end of the year and plans to pursue a career in the private sector.
A palace spokesman 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.”
The equerry walks behind the King as he arrives at his Coronation in 2023(Image: Getty Images)
Lieutenant Colonel Thompson is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and joined the Royal Regiment of Scotland in April 2006. He served on operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan before commanding Balaklava Company, 5 SCOTS, based in Edinburgh. While in command, he led the ceremonial and military support for the late Queen’s annual residence in Balmoral in 2018 and 2019.
He was appointed equerry to the then Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall in December 2019 and continued serving him upon the King’s accession four years ago, becoming a senior equerry in 2024.
Equerries are drawn from the armed forces and are required to assist the royals both inside their residences and when out and about on public engagements.
Earlier this year, it emerged that Lieutenant Colonel Thompson and wife Olivia welcomed a daughter. The couple married last year in a low-key ceremony after being described by friends as “well-matched and very happy”.
King Charles at the Arc de Triomphe alongside equerry Lieutentant Colonel Johnny Thompson(Image: AP)
The equerry was previously married to his former wife Caroline, and they have a son together, but they split several years ago. Olivia is the daughter of former communications secretary to the late Queen, Simon Lewis.
Him stepping down comes weeks after it was announced that the King’s right-hand man and most senior aide is also to leave his role next year.
In July, it was revealed that Sir Clive Alderton, who has worked for the Royal Household for 20 years and is currently Charles and Queen Camilla’s principal private secretary, will leave his role next year to coincide with his 60th birthday next May.
During his time as the King’s principal private secretary, he has led the monarch through his cancer diagnosis and many incoming and outgoing state visits, including his trip to Washington DC to meet US president Donald Trump, where Charles delivered an historic address to Congress.
But he appeared to irk Prince Harry, who is said to have regarded Sir Clive as one of the “men in grey suits” at the Palace, and although he did not refer to him by name, appeared to give him the nickname “the Wasp” in his autobiography, Spare.