Queen Camilla has announced that her trusted equerry, Major Ollie Plunket, will be leaving his role after three years of service. The news was revealed by the Queen, 78, during a speech she gave on Thursday, November 27, ahead of an awards dinner celebrating the Army infantry regiment, The Rifles.
A Fond Farewell to a Staunch Supporter
Speaking at the Guildhall in the City of London, the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles publicly thanked the 31-year-old officer, who was present at the event. Queen Camilla stated: 'I would like to say a huge thank you to Major Ollie Plunket, who has been my staunch equerry for the past three years. He has excelled in everything he has done for me.'
Major Plunket, a kinsman of the 9th Lord Plunket, first took up the position as the Queen's first-ever equerry in November 2022. He quickly captured public attention, with royal fans noting his tall stature and handsome appearance during his first major appearance at the Princess of Wales's carol service at Westminster Abbey that same year.
The Adventurous Officer and His Charming Legacy
Beyond his royal duties, Ollie Plunket is known for an impressive charitable feat from his youth: a solo 24,500-mile motorbike journey from Argentina to Alaska which raised over £100,000 for wounded servicemen. His charming demeanour continued to win admirers during his time with the Queen, notably when he helped decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree in 2023, using his sword to place ornaments to the delight of seriously ill children.
Following the announcement, fans expressed their sadness on social media, with one writing on X: 'I wished his position would be permanent, I'm gonna miss him forever.' Another added: 'We‘ll miss Ollie. His adorable smile brightened my day.'
Introducing the New Equerry: Major Rob Treasure
Major Ollie Plunket will be succeeded by another officer from The Rifles, Major Rob Treasure. The 29-year-old platoon commander is a Sandhurst graduate and recently completed a formidable challenge. Earlier this year, he and two fellow Army officers, calling themselves Team V3nture, successfully rowed over 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 40 days, 17 hours and 40 minutes, finishing first in the trio category. They undertook the 'World's Toughest Row' in memory of Rob's father, aiming to raise at least £200,000 for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support.
Some royal watchers have already begun speculating about the new appointment, with several hoping the successor will provide similar 'eye candy' to the role. Equerries, who are officers assisting members of the royal family with public duties, typically serve for around three years. Major Plunket is one of several royal aides, like Major Jonathan Thompson and Lieutenant Commander Rob Dixon, who have attracted notable public followings.
