King Charles’s well-known equerry is preparing to step away from the royal household after more than two decades in uniform, with plans to embrace a “quieter life” beyond palace duties.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, 43, who serves as senior equerry to both King Charles and Queen Camilla, will leave his post at the end of the year, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement released yesterday. The role sees a senior officer support members of the Royal Family in official and ceremonial engagements.
Thompson, a member of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, is now expected to move into the private sector, marking the end of his 22-year career in the British Army.
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.”
Long regarded as one of the Royal Family’s most dependable aides, Thompson was also among the late Queen Elizabeth II’s senior bodyguards. In recent years, however, he became a familiar face to royal watchers for another reason, winning an online following after his polished appearance at high-profile events sent social media into a frenzy.
Any hopes among admirers were dashed when it emerged that the respected officer had married PR executive Olivia Lewis in May 2025. The couple welcomed their daughter, Theodora, earlier this year.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggested Thompson’s departure may reflect a desire for a calmer pace after a demanding chapter of service, particularly following his marriage and new family life. He described Thompson as a “great support at a time of historic transition.”
Mr Fitzwilliams told Our News Outlet: “Behind the ceremonial brilliance and precision which are universally admired, the role is extremely pressurised. An equerry’s hours, including being the monarch’s eyes and ears at major state events, are extremely taxing.”
‘The change was probably inevitable as his private life needed it. He obviously needed to leave the army and royal service for a more stable environment given his new domestic responsibilities.’
Below, Our News Outlet looks at some of Thompson’s finest moments – from rising to prominence at the King’s coronation, to charming the likes of Martha Stewart…
Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson (pictured in 2022), 43, who serves as senior equerry to both Charles and Queen Camilla, will depart at the end of the year, according to a statement released by Buckingham Palace yesterday
Internet fame for Thompson after the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II
Following his tours, Thompson became one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most senior bodyguards, and was often pictured with her at Balmoral. That year, royal fans began to take note of the equerry
Thompson now plans to pursue a role in the private sector, bringing his time in the British Army to a close. Pictured: Thompson at King Charles’ coronation in 2023
Thompson first joined the British Army in 2005 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2006, 2009 and 2011. He has served in the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland since 2006.
But it was after his tours that he became one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most senior bodyguards and led the ceremonial and military support for her annual residence, Balmoral, in 2018 and 2019.
That year, Thompson was pictured walking alongside Her Majesty at the Scottish residence – prompting royal fans to take note of the equerry.
He became equerry to Charles and Camilla in their roles as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall in December 2019.
Mr Fitzwilliams noted: ‘His role as equerry continues the tradition of military equerries, dating from the 14th century and formalised by Queen Victoria in 1854. It is a symbol of the close relationship between the Royal Family and the armed forces.’
When Elizabeth died in September 2022, Thompson remained firmly by Charles’ side, and was seen proudly standing beside him during his coronation at Westminster Abbey.
The officer became an object of royal watchers’ affections after he was thrust front-and-centre at historic royal events following the Queen’s death.
He was caught on camera calmly and coolly removing a pen tray which was cluttering the King’s desk, as Charles signed the Proclamation which named him as the new monarch.
He was also seen in the procession when the Queen’s coffin was escorted from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall for the four days of lying in state.
Reflecting on his time spent with the late Queen at Balmoral, he told the BBC: ‘One evening, myself and my wife, we were invited to one of the bothies [huts] on the estates to dine with Her Majesty.
‘She straight away would start making the salad dressing, setting the table and the night culminated with me doing the washing up alongside her, which is a lovely memory.’
Martha Stewart swoons after being ‘totally charmed’ by Thompson
In May, US lifestyle expert Martha Stewart revealed how she was ‘totally charmed’ by King Charles’s equerry during the monarch’s state visit
In May, US lifestyle expert Martha Stewart revealed how she was ‘totally charmed’ by Thompson during the monarch’s state visit.
Ms Stewart, who attended the King’s Trust Global Gala in New York City on April 29, wrote of Thompson on Instagram afterwards: ‘Can’t believe I got this close.
‘We actually spoke while waiting for King Charles to get to us for a few words. Totally charming, completely cool, exceedingly handsome.’
In April, Thompson sported a kilt as he walked among guests awaiting the appearance of the royal couple at the White House during Charles and Camilla’s US State Visit.
It featured a traditional military ceremony by the US Army Herald Trumpets, followed by national anthems of both countries played by the US Marine Band and a Presidential Salute Battery rendering a 21-gun cannon salute.
Royal fans delight at Thompson’s Sandringham and Trooping the Colour appearances
In October 2023, Thompson was promoted to the role of ‘senior equerry’ – effectively serving as the monarch’s right-hand man. That Christmas, he joined the Royal Family for their annual Christmas walkabout at Sandringham, much to the delight of royal fans across the globe
In 2024, Thompson also hit the headlines when he appeared at Trooping the Colour with his now-wife, Olivia Lewis
In October 2023, Thompson was promoted to the role of ‘senior equerry’ – effectively serving as the monarch’s right-hand man.
Reports from the time suggested he had become ‘uncomfortable’ with the attention he was getting from admirers online, and that he took the promotion in order to be more behind the scenes.
That Christmas, he joined the Royal Family for their annual Christmas walkabout at Sandringham, much to the delight of royal fans across the globe.
Following closely behind His Majesty, Thompson walked with senior royals as crowds lined the road outside the St Mary Magdalene Church for the traditional Christmas Day service on the Norfolk estate.
Thompson put on a dapper display in a navy blue suit and blue blazer jacket.
Earlier that year, he made third place on Tatler’s Social Power Index, which details where the ‘real power lies in Britain’.
According to Tatler, he has a ‘fabulous sense of humour’ and the ability to look as good in a suit as he does a kilt.
They wrote: ‘It is from within the palace walls that the King’s equerry wields his unique brand of quiet, charming power; but he’s spotted where it counts, at the coronation, or on the opening night of the Berntson Bhattacharjee Gallery in Fitzrovia, for example, to which he wore a bunny tie and charmed India Rose James.’
In 2024, Thompson also hit the headlines when he appeared at Trooping the Colour with his now-wife, Olivia Lewis.
Olivia’s father is Simon Lewis, once the Queen’s communications supremo and the man credited with ‘rescuing’ her reputation in the period following the death of Princess Diana.
She is believed to have met Thompson after working for the King and Queen for a short period – and has often been pictured by his side for prominent public events.
Merchandise line launched in honour of Thompson as he joins King Charles in Paris
In September 2023, Thompson was spotted alongside the King and Queen during their three-day visit to France, much to the delight of avid royal onlookers
In keeping with his rising popularity, a bizarre launch of ‘Jonny Thompson’ merchandise hit the market – reflecting his immense popularity online
In September 2023, Thompson was spotted alongside the King and Queen during their three-day visit to France, much to the delight of avid royal onlookers.
Arriving at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris for their state visit – it was safe to say many eyes were on him, as he stole the show while diligently carrying out his duties.
He was dressed in full regalia, and carried a medium-sized green leather tote bag as he darted across the grounds. Of course, his famous black and green kilt and large fur sporran were part of his ensemble.
Meanwhile, in keeping with his rising popularity, a bizarre launch of ‘Jonny Thompson’ merchandise hit the market.
The unique range, which reflected his immense popularity online, featured tote bags and even their very own Jonny – as the bags included a hulking print of his image, fully clad in his uniform.
Delighted royal fans call for Thompson to become the ‘next James Bond’
That same year, royal fans even called for Thompson to become the next 007, as the equerry continued to gain popularity on TikTok
That same year, royal fans even called for Thompson to become the next 007, as the equerry continued to gain popularity on TikTok.
One TikTok page described Thompson as ‘the next James Bond’ as they made a short video of him, which included him looking dapper in a suit as he entered Buckingham Palace in London.
Other snippets were of the King’s equerry performing his royal duties as he walked in formation, ushered people into a car and stood in his uniform.
His role as an equerry involved assisting the King with his daily duties, standing beside him at public events and looking after the monarch’s carriages, coaches and Rolls-Royces used at state ceremonies.
He attended Sandhurst’s Royal Military Academy from 2005-2006 and has served in the British Army ever since.
