Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, the senior equerry to King Charles and Queen Camilla, is to step down from his role at the end of the year, Buckingham Palace has announced. He will leave both the Royal Household and the British Army after nearly 22 years of military service.
The equerry, who has become popular with royal fans, is frequently seen at the King's side during high-profile outings, wearing a kilt and the ceremonial uniform of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The married father of two played a key role in Charles' Coronation and accompanied the couple on overseas state visits, including the trip to the United States to see President Donald Trump earlier this year.
Support across military, constitutional and ceremonial duties
Thompson is credited with supporting the King and Queen across military, constitutional and ceremonial duties. He informed the wider Royal Household today that he will conclude his role at the end of the year and plans to pursue a career in the private sector.
A palace spokesman 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.”
Career highlights and royal service
Thompson is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and joined the Royal Regiment of Scotland in April 2006. He served on operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan before commanding Balaklava Company, 5 SCOTS, based in Edinburgh. While in command, he led the ceremonial and military support for the late Queen's annual residence in Balmoral in 2018 and 2019.
He was appointed equerry to the then Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall in December 2019 and continued serving him upon the King's accession four years ago, becoming a senior equerry in 2024. Equerries are drawn from the armed forces and assist the royals both inside their residences and during public engagements.
Personal news and wider household changes
Earlier this year, it emerged that Thompson and his wife Olivia welcomed a daughter. The couple married last year in a low-key ceremony after being described by friends as “well-matched and very happy.” Thompson was previously married to his former wife Caroline, with whom he has a son, but they split several years ago. Olivia is the daughter of former communications secretary to the late Queen, Simon Lewis.
His departure comes weeks after it was announced that Sir Clive Alderton, the King's most senior aide, will also leave his role next year. Alderton, who has worked for the Royal Household for 20 years and is currently principal private secretary to Charles and Queen Camilla, will step down next year to coincide with his 60th birthday in May. During his time in the role, he led the monarch through his cancer diagnosis and many state visits, including the trip to Washington DC to meet President Trump, where Charles delivered an address to Congress.
