KING Charles’ Royal Equerry Major Johnny Thompson is moving into a less public role.
It comes after the dashing Major gained viral attention on multiple occasions following appearances with the Royal Family.
Who is Major Johnny Thompson?
Major Jonathan Thompson, who is known as Johnny away from his job, serves with the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Since being in the public eye he has gained an army of fans.
He is understood not to have enjoyed the public attention he received."
A Palace Source on Thompson's Position Change
One fan on social media dubbed him “Major eye candy”.
He has been seen at numerous royal events following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
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The Army officer was born in Morpeth, Northumberland, and now lives in Surrey with his family.
He joined the Army in 2006 and is a platoon commander and is thought to have been working as an equerry with Charles since 2020.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he graduated from Aberystwyth University in 2004 with a degree in economics and politics with international studies.
While at university he was a member of the undergraduate officer training corps.
Major Thompson was in the procession on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, when the Queen’s coffin was escorted from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall for the four days of lying in state.
He was also spotted escorting Liz Truss to meet King Charles at Buckingham Palace when she was prime minister.
What are Major Johnny Thompson's duties?
He is responsible for the detailed planning and execution of the King’s daily programmes.
Major Thompson's role requires him to attend public events and be in close contact with the monarch.
He is also in close contact with the monarch while at royal residences, such as Buckingham Palace.
However, on February 22, 2024, The Times reported that the senior aide has transitioned into a new post away from the spotlight.
According to a palace source, Thompson "continues to serve as senior equerry to the King and the Queen, albeit in a more executive capacity with less public visibility."
The Times specified that he is "reported to have been uncomfortable with the public attention he gained after accompanying the King to a number of prominent events."
As of February 27, 2024, Thomas was last seen escorting the royals to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham on Christmas Day,
What is an equerry?
Equerries are appointed to their roles by working members of the Royal Family and are drawn from senior officers of the British Army.
The role involves being in regular close attendance both within the royal residence and outside on public engagements.
The Royal Household also includes a number of "extra equerries" – honorary appointees drawn from among the current and retired senior officers of the Royal Household.
There is also a Crown Equerry who is responsible for the Royal Mews Department and holds a distinct office.
Did Major Johnny Thompson work for the Queen?
Major Thompson has worked for the royal household for a number of years.
He was one of the late Queen’s most senior bodyguards and was spotted at several events with her.
Major Thompson first came to the attention of royal watchers when he was part of the Platinum Jubilee Thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral in June 2022.
Is Major Johnny married and does he have children?
Major Thompson tied the knot with marketing manager Caroline, 45, in 2010.
Together they have a five-year-old son as well as two black labradors called Odin and Piper.
Caroline was educated at Windsor Girls School and nearby Strode's College where she received three A levels in media, psychology and photography.
She then went on to obtain an HND at the Southampton Institute in Design Communications.
She has worked for Packard Bell, BMW and is also a gym instructor and horse rider.
In 2021, her marketing and design skills helped set up the website for charity Horses4Health.
Caroline lives in Surrey with her family, but has spent a lot of time living in various parts of Scotland, as well as Berkshire and Wiltshire.
How long does an equerry serve?
An equerry usually takes on the role for three years.
The role includes generally assisting His Majesty in his public duties and being his "eyes and ears".
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Why does Johnny Thompson wear a kilt?
Major Thompson can always be seen wearing a thick tartan kilt and large fur sporran whilst on royal duty.
This is because he is a soldier from the 5th Scots Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland.