Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, King Charles III’s senior equerry widely known online as the “hot equerry,” is stepping down from his royal role at the end of the year. Buckingham Palace confirmed the departure after seven years of service within the royal household, during which the military veteran gained unexpected global internet fame.
King Charles is preparing for a personnel shift within his inner circle as his trusty personal aide prepares to leave the military and royal service to pursue a quieter life in the private sector, according to the Daily Mail. Thompson, 43, of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, has spent nearly 22 years in the British Army, undertaking deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2006, 2009, and 2011, before transitioning into high-profile ceremonial duties for the British Royal Family. He joined the Army in 2005.
The announcement follows a busy period in both the equerry’s personal and professional life. Thompson and his wife, PR executive Olivia Lewis, the daughter of Simon Lewis, welcomed their baby girl named Theodora on 20 May 2026, one year after their wedding day. They tied the knot in May 2025 in St Mary’s church in Wiltshire, before hosting a lunch and reception at Olivia’s parents’ house. Thompson also has a son with former wife Caroline Thompson. The departure also comes on the heels of other high-level exits from the monarch’s household, including the departure of private secretary Sir Clive Alderton, 60, who left his role earlier this summer after 20 years, and long-time butler Bernie Flannery, who resigned in August after sticking by the king’s side for decades. In his memoir, Prince Harry referred to Alderton as “the wasp” because while he was typically quiet and self-effacing, Harry said he would give anyone who crossed him an unexpected “sting.”
From Balmoral Bodyguard to Viral Coronation Presence
Thompson’s journey into the public eye began long before he became a fixture of internet culture. In 2018, Jonny became the late Queen Elizabeth II’s bodyguard and progressed to equerry to The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in December 2019 before becoming The King’s Equerry on Accession in September 2022. Thompson was close to Queen Elizabeth II and served as her personal ceremonial guard before being appointed equerry to Charles and Camilla in 2019.
When Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022, Thompson remained by Charles’s side. He drew widespread attention following the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II and during the accession proceedings. His striking presence in traditional Scottish ceremonial dress during royal events further accelerated his online visibility, earning him nicknames such as Major Eye Candy
on TikTok and the “hot equerry” after photos of him in a kilt became an unlikely internet thirst trap, with some reports noting that Lt. Col. Thompson was a little uncomfortable
with his hordes of online admirers.
Palace Statement and Domestic Realities
While Buckingham Palace rarely comments on staff members on a personal level, a royal spokesperson addressed the resignation directly, sharing the news with Hello! magazine on Wednesday, September 2.
“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.”
Palace Spokesperson, Buckingham Palace
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted that Thompson, who has been a great support at a time of historic transition,
has likely left the royal household behind in the hopes of leading a more relaxed life after finding love, noting that behind the ceremonial brilliance and precision which are universally admired, the role is extremely pressurised, with an equerry’s hours, including being the monarch’s eyes and ears at major state events, being extremely taxing. Fitzwilliams stated that the change was probably inevitable as his private life needed it, noting he obviously needed to leave the army and royal service for a more stable environment given his new domestic responsibilities.
High-Profile Encounters and Royal Household Shifts
Throughout his tenure, Thompson balanced rigorous security duties with diplomatic charm. During King Charles’ and Queen Camilla’s visit to the United States in April, lifestyle expert Martha Stewart posted a May 1 Instagram photo with praise when she met him at a reception in New York.
“Can’t believe I got this close to the ‘hot Equerry,’”
Martha Stewart, Lifestyle Expert
Stewart continued praising Thompson in her caption, writing that he was Totally charming,
completely cool
and Exceedingly handsome.
Beyond state visits, Thompson has also made headlines for his surprising friendship with a younger royal, Lady Louise Windsor, Prince Edward’s daughter. Lady Louise has been working behind-the-scenes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show for years, and during some time off she was enjoying the display alongside Jonny, where photos showed the pair side by side chatting away as they watched the display, which included ‘Azerbaijan – Land of Fire’, the ‘DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games’ and the ‘Musical Drive of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.’
With Jonny concluding his role at the end of the calendar year, it has not yet been announced who will take over this very important role of assisting His and Her Majesty.
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