Major Johnny Thompson, King Charles’ Senior Equerry, to Depart Royal Household

Buckingham Palace has announced that Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, the senior equerry to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, is set to leave his high-profile position at the end of this year. His departure marks the conclusion of a nearly 22-year career in the British Army, as he intends to transition into a new role within the private sector.

A Palace spokesperson expressed the Royal Family’s gratitude for his dedication, stating: “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.”

A Familiar Face at Court

Widely recognized as the King’s “right-hand man,” Lieutenant Colonel Thompson, who hails from Morpeth in Northumberland, became a prominent figure in the public eye during his years of service. His dapper appearances alongside the monarch sparked intense interest from royal fans, with many social media users affectionately dubbing him “Major Eye Candy.”

Sources suggest that the intense, unwanted attention directed at his personal life led him to adopt a more behind-the-scenes role following his promotion to senior equerry in October 2023.

An Illustrious Military Career

Thompson’s journey with the Royal Household began long before his current role. After graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he served in the British Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He initially joined the late Queen Elizabeth II’s protection team as one of her most senior bodyguards.

In 2019, he transitioned to supporting then-Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, he remained a steadfast presence by King Charles’ side, famously standing with him during his Coronation at Westminster Abbey.

A Season of Change at the Palace

The departure of the senior equerry is part of a broader wave of personnel changes within the King’s inner circle. His exit follows the announcement that the King’s private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, will also be stepping down next year. Furthermore, the King’s long-serving butler, Bernie Flannery, is set to retire after four decades of service to the Royal Household.

As the King prepares for this transition, interest in his senior equerry remains high. Thompson, who married PR executive Olivia Lewis in a private ceremony last year, is expected to pursue fresh opportunities outside of the military and royal service as he enters this new chapter of his career.