King Charles’s Viral Bodyguard Known as “Hot Equerry” Steps Down From Royal Role
King Charles’s Viral Bodyguard Known as “Hot Equerry” Steps Down From Royal Role
Hannah MalachFri, September 4, 2026 at 7:15 PM UTC
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Jonny Thompson in 2025.Credit: Getty ImagesThe Gist -
King Charles’s “hot equerry” is leaving his role in the royal household after seven years.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson was previously Queen Elizabeth’s bodyguard.
He’s worked for King Charles and Queen Camilla since 2019.
King Charles’s “hot equerry” is stepping down from his role in the royal household. Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, who was once Queen Elizabeth’s bodyguard, served the Windsor family for several years.
On September 4, Hello! announced that Thompson will continue working for Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, until the end of this year.
Jonny Thompson in 2025.Credit: Getty Images
“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,” a statement from the royal family read.
Thompson first went viral in 2018, when he was still employed under Queen Elizabeth. The following year, he was promoted to Charles and Camilla’s equerry, rising to the role of the King’s Equerry in 2022.
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Jonny Thompson escorts King Charles during a visit to Bermuda on April 30, 2026.Credit: Getty Images
The news of Thompson’s departure comes four months after the birth of his first child. He and his wife, Olivia, welcomed a baby girl named Theodora in May. The couple tied the knot one year prior at St Mary’s Church in Wiltshire, England. Olivia is the daughter of Elizabeth’s former communications secretary, Simon Lewis. Jonny also has a son from his first marriage to Caroline Thompson.
Back in April, Jonny caught the attention of Martha Stewart during the King’s Trust Gala, where she was admittedly starstruck by him.
Jonny Thompson in 2025.Credit: Getty Images
“Can’t believe I got this close to the ‘hot equerry’ Johnny Thompson, aide de camp to His Majesty, the King,” Stewart wrote in the caption of an Instagram post.
“We actually spoke while waiting for King Charles to get to us for a few words,” she added. “ Totally charming completely cool. Exceedingly handsome.”
on InStyle
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
