Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, a senior member of the British royal household and long-serving army officer, has announced he will step down from his role at the end of 2026 after more than two decades of military service. Thompson, 43, will leave both the British Army and his position as senior equerry to King Charles III and Queen Camilla to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
Thompson, who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has been part of the royal household for seven years. He took on the role of senior equerry, responsible for managing the King’s public engagements, in early 2024. He previously served as equerry to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall starting in 2019, before becoming equerry to King Charles upon his accession in September 2022.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the King and Queen were aware of Thompson’s plans and expressed gratitude for his service, wishing him success in his future endeavors.
Born in Morpeth, Northumberland, Thompson attended high school in Virginia, United States. He graduated from Aberystwyth University in 2004 with a degree in international politics and intelligence studies and was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006 after attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
During his military career, Thompson commanded the Balaklava Company of the 5th Battalion in Edinburgh. He led ceremonial and military support for Queen Elizabeth II’s Balmoral residence in 2018 and 2019. Recalling his experiences, Thompson described a memorable occasion dining with the late Queen at one of the estate’s bothies, highlighting her approachable nature and ability to connect personally with those around her. He also noted the preparation soldiers undergo for the traditional ghillies balls at Balmoral, where Highland dancing and personal interaction with the monarch are key features.
Thompson’s prominent role alongside members of the royal family has garnered significant attention on social media, where he has been affectionately dubbed the “hot equerry” due to his public appearances in military dress and traditional Scottish attire, including kilts. His recent involvement in King Charles and Queen Camilla’s 2026 tour of the United States particularly raised his profile. American television personality Martha Stewart, who attended a King’s Trust gala in New York City, praised Thompson on social media, calling him “totally charming, completely cool, exceedingly handsome.”
Thompson’s departure marks the end of a distinguished chapter combining military service with close work at the heart of the British monarchy. His future plans in the private sector have not yet been detailed.