King Charles’ right-hand manLieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompsonis moving into a less public role after becoming a viral sensation for his dashing good looks at the coronation celebrations.
On Thursday,The Timesreported that the senior aide famed as “the hot equerry” has transitioned into a new post following the frenzy. A palace source told the outlet that Thompson, 40, “remains senior equerry to the King and the Queen, in a more executive and less public-facing role”.
The Timesoutlined that the dedicated equerry is “understood not to have enjoyed the public attention he received after attending several high-profile events with the King.” He wasmost recently seenescorting the royals to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham on Christmas Day, and is now expected to work outside of the public eye to support the King, 75, who is receivingcancer treatment.
“I saw ‘Major eye candy,’ ” blogger UK Travel captioned the clip of Thompson apparently on his way to work, and the nickname stuck.
Thompson is a member of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, and stepped into the spotlight in the summer of 2018, when he escorted Queen Elizabeth for a battalion review atBalmoral Castle. He rose through the ranks to become the monarch’s most senior bodyguard, and was promoted to Super Equerry to King Charles upon the Queen’s death in September 2022,Tatlerreported.
Queen Elizabeth and Major Johnny Thompson at the gates of Balmoral in 2018.Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty
Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty
The newly crowned King Charles and Major Johnny Thompson on May 6 coronation day.Sina Schuldt/picture alliance via Getty
Sina Schuldt/picture alliance via Getty
The aide lit up the internet on coronation day, and a video of him helping the King change robes at Westminster Abbey was viewed over 113,000 times onX.
“Wouldn’t this guy make a brilliant James bond!” a commenter swooned, while another called for him to be crowned.
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Thompson’s star continued to shine, andTatlerrankedhim third on its Social Power Index last June. The magazine shouted out his “fabulous sense of humor” and looking “as good in a suit as he does a kilt,” referring to his regiment’s uniform.
According toThe Times, Thompson was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel last year — and he might have a new love interest. Earlier this month, he stepped out holding hands with Olivia Lewis, a PR executive he reportedly met while working for the King and Queen.
TheDaily Mailreported that Thompson and his wife separated almost two years ago, adding that he and Lewis are said to be “well matched and very happy.”
source: people.com
