LOYAL SERVICE
Who is King Charles’ bodyguard and equerry Major Johnny Thompson?
The dashing major was Queen Elizabeth II’s most senior bodyguard
MAJOR Johnny Thompson has appeared at a host of events in his role as King Charles III's right hand man and equerry.
Find out more about the King's bodyguard who gained thousands of fans after his kilt-clad appearances with the Royal Family.
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Who is Major Johnny Thompson?
Nicknamed 'Major Eye Candy' by fans on TikTok, Major Jonathan Thompson - known as Johnny - serves with the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The Army officer was born in Morpeth, Northumberland.
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 has had a long and steady presence alongside the Royals throughout his time working for them.
He 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 Rishi Sunak to meet King Charles at Buckingham Palace when he became prime minister.
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He's been seen at numerous royal events following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
Since being in the public eye he's gained an army of fans.
What are Major Johnny Thompson's duties?
Major Johnny Thompson is responsible for the detailed planning and execution of the King’s daily programmes.
His role means he has to attend public events and be in close contact with the monarch.
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He's also in touch 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.
He is understood not to have enjoyed the public attention he received."
A Palace Source on Thompson's Position Change
According to a palace source, Major 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."
In April, 2024, he was seen on what's now become a rare public appearance alongside the Royals.
Major Thompson was spotted at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle for an Easter Sunday service.
At the service were King Charles, Queen Camilla and a host of other Royals.
Fans spotted he was not wearing his trademark kilt, opting for a smart suit instead.
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.
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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 Johnny Thompson has most recently been spotted with PR executive Olivia Lewis, who he met whilst working for the King and Queen.
They have reportedly been seeing each other for over a year, and are said to be "well matched and very happy".
Olivia's uncle is former Daily Telegraph editor Sir Will Lewis, who's now publisher and chief executive of the Washington Post.
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Major Thompson was previously married to marketing manager Caroline, with whom he tied the knot in 2010 and had a son.
They separated in 2022.
How long does an equerry serve?
An equerry is a key role in the Royal household.
The holder of the role usually takes it on for three years.
The position includes generally assisting His Majesty in his public duties and being his "eyes and ears".
Why does Johnny Thompson wear a kilt?
Members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland wear a specific type of kilt as part of their uniform.
Major Thompson can always be seen wearing a thick tartan kilt and large fur sporran whilst on royal duty.
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He can also be seen wearing a Lowland pattern Glengarry, a type of bonnet.
Since stepping back from high profile duties, Major Thompson hasn't been seen wearing the formal uniform.