Major Johnny Thompson—called Jonny Thompson in recent coverage and identified in 2026 as Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson—is a British Army officer who served as equerry to King Charles and Queen Camilla. He became senior equerry to both in 2024. A 1 September 2026 report says he plans to leave the royal household and the military at the end of 2026; that is a reported future departure, not a completed one.
Who is Major Johnny Thompson?
“Major Johnny” is the familiar label used in older coverage. Recent reports use “Jonny Thompson” and the rank Lieutenant Colonel. The name and rank change can make it difficult to tell that articles are discussing the same officer.
Thompson was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in April 2006. His military career included service in Iraq and Afghanistan and command of Balaklava Company. Sky News reported that, while in command, he led ceremonial and military support for the late Queen’s Balmoral residence in 2018 and 2019. Sky News’s 2026 account of his career gives those milestones.
What does an equerry do?
An equerry is an officer who assists a member of the Royal Family. News accounts describe the work as helping with the monarch’s daily programme, maintaining the schedule and attending public engagements. The Independent describes the equerry as standing alongside the King at public events. These are journalistic descriptions rather than a formal, published job specification.
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A 2023 Standard profile also described detailed planning for ceremonial transport, including carriages, coaches and cars. That account provides context for the logistics sometimes associated with the role, but should not be mistaken for a definitive current list of duties. The Standard’s equerry explainer discusses those responsibilities.
His royal role and career timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| April 2006 | Commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Scotland. |
| 2018–2019 | Led ceremonial and military support for the late Queen’s Balmoral residence while commanding Balaklava Company, according to Sky News. |
| December 2019 | Became equerry to Charles and Camilla. |
| September 2022 | Became King Charles’s equerry after Charles acceded to the throne. |
| 2024 | Promoted to senior equerry to the King and Queen, according to Sky News and The Independent. |
| 1 September 2026 report | Sky News reported that he plans to leave the royal household and the military at the end of 2026 and pursue private-sector work. This is a reported plan, not confirmation that he has left. |
On the reported departure, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told Sky News: “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.” Sky News reported the statement on 1 September 2026.
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Why did Major Johnny Thompson go viral?
His appearances beside senior royals drew attention during the period following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022 and at King Charles’s 2023 coronation at Westminster Abbey. Coverage at the time noted social-media comments about his presence beside the King and the Pages of Honour. Those reports document media and social-media attention; they do not establish a measurable or universal public opinion.
In 2026, interest resurfaced during the King and Queen’s US state visit. The Independent reported that Martha Stewart had called him “Totally charming, completely cool. Exceedingly handsome” in an Instagram post, and that a dedicated fan account had been created. Those remarks were Stewart’s, not an official palace description. The Independent’s September 2026 report describes the renewed attention.
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Equerry does not mean bodyguard
Some earlier coverage says Thompson previously served as one of Queen Elizabeth II’s senior bodyguards. That is separate from his equerry appointment: the accounts describing an equerry focus on assistance with royal duties, schedules, public engagements and, in some reporting, ceremonial logistics. The terms should not be used interchangeably.
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