Royal Family News reported that Major Johnny Thompson joined the royal family’s Christmas Day walk at Sandringham on December 25, 2024. The outlet said he walked behind Catherine, Princess of Wales, carrying bouquets as she greeted onlookers. Those details come from secondary coverage; the reviewed sources do not include an official Royal Household record confirming them.
What was reported about the 2024 Christmas walk?
In a story published on December 30, 2024, Royal Family News described Thompson accompanying the Christmas gathering at Sandringham five days earlier. Its account placed him behind Catherine as she greeted people and said he was carrying bouquets. The coverage does not establish why he was carrying them or indicate that the appearance marked a new assignment.
The event was the traditional Christmas walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church, rather than a separately announced royal engagement. No named statement from Thompson or an official source about his appearance was included in the event coverage.
How did the reported appearance differ from the previous Christmas?
A separate Royal Family News report published on January 3, 2024, said Thompson joined the walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023. It noted that he wore a suit rather than his customary military uniform. That is a report about the 2023 walk, not a description of what he wore or did in 2024.
#1 Best Overall
- Royal guard costume kids steps confidently into ceremonial style and includes a bright red military-style jacket with gold buttons, black pants with gold side stripes, a white belt and an iconic black faux-fur hat
- Sizes Available: Toddler (3-4 years), S (4-6 years), M (7-9 years), L (10-12 years), with an elasticated waistband and a fit designed for comfortable marching and play. Refer to size chart for more information
- Perfect for Halloween, World Book Day and school history plays, this British soldier costume helps children bring classic ceremonial characters to life and stand proudly at any themed party or performance
- Wear it indoors at school plays and themed parties or outdoors at parades and trick-or-treating, and pair the jacket with simple black shoes to complete the smart toy soldier look for any event
- Royal guard costume kids is worn by young history fans, budding performers and imaginative dress-up lovers who enjoy soldiers and parades and want to feel proud, brave and ready to stand to attention
Who is Major Johnny Thompson?
Thompson is a royal household equerry. Marie Claire UK describes an equerry as an officer in personal attendance on a sovereign or royal-family member, and identifies Thompson as an equerry to King Charles. Press Association reporting carried by The Irish News says he was appointed equerry to Charles and Camilla in December 2019 and became the King’s equerry after Charles’s accession in September 2022.
“Hot equerry” is a media and fan nickname, not an official title. An appearance carrying bouquets behind Catherine does not, by itself, establish that Thompson was her bodyguard.
Rank #2
- Protecting the Royals – Features a red jacket with gold trim, authentic-looking gold buttons, and a white belt to complete the classic guard look.
- Complete Costume Set – Includes matching black pants designed to pair perfectly with the jacket for a polished, coordinated outfit.
- Practical Design – Pants feature an elastic waistband for a comfortable, easy fit; set comes packaged in a clear bag with a durable snap closure.
- Durable & Comfortable – Made from quality materials to ensure comfort, durability, and easy washing and care.
- Great for All Year Round – Ideal for Halloween, stage performances, role play, birthday parties, themed events, and more.
What was reported about his role in 2026?
On September 1, 2026, The Irish News carried Press Association reporting that Thompson planned to leave his senior equerry post at the end of that year and leave military service for private-sector work. That was a reported plan at the time, not confirmation that he had already departed. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson, quoted in the report, 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.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Features 6 US army men and 6 Special Forces combat soldiers action figures. Each army guys model is about 3.75" tall.
- They have excellent quality and can perform various actions like sitting, standing, turning their heads, moving their arms, and legs, making them perfect for action-packed play sessions.
- Unique Weapons included with each soldier, There are 12 guns in total. In addition, each action figures has a distinctly defined look that reflects the character's position in the army.
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Rank #4
- YO JOE! G.I. JOE EXPLODES INTO A LARGER-THAN-LIFE ERA WITH 6 INCH ACTION FIGURES: The G.I. Joe Classified Series evolves the retro toy figures fans know and love into a highly articulated 6-inch (150 mm) scale with premium deco and detailing
- CLASSIC COBRA-LA ROYAL GUARD-INSPIRED DESIGN: Features a classic design updated to bring the Cobra bodyguards into the modern era and 12 accessory pieces inspired by the character’s rich history as seen in G.I. Joe: The Movie
- HIGHLY POSEABLE WITH PREMIUM DETAILING: G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra-La Royal Guard action figure set features exceptional detailing and articulation for cool poseability to create dazzling dioramas (some poses may require additional support)
- COLLECTIBLE WINDOWED PACKAGING: #191 in the Classified Series sequence. The window-box display showcases the figure along with accessory loadout, figure-specific File Card Icons, gorgeous original character artwork, and dynamic digital renders
- KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE: Look for other G.I. Joe figures and toys to build your roster of heroes and Cobra villains (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.)
Rank #3
- ENGLISH ROYAL GUARD FIGURINE: An emblematic soldier charged with protecting the sovereign, he evokes tradition and history.
- A collectible figurine or gift, it transforms into a decorative element for the home by adding a personalized touch.
- Designed for young children, this PAPO toy stimulates imagination and curiosity by offering educational toys adapted to their development.
- PAPO relies on French talent and craftsmanship and has joined the ACFJF (Association of French Toy Creators and Manufacturers). The creations are imagined, designed and developed in France.
- PAPO FIGURINE: Created 30 years ago, PAPO is now synonymous with quality figurines, with more than 750 references allowing children to build infinite and varied stories.
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