Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson will exit his position as senior equerry to King Charles and Queen Camilla by the end of the year. The 43-year-old is concluding 22 years of British Army service to move into the private sector .
From Iraq and Afghanistan to the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland
Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson's transition to civilian life marks the end of a military career that began in 2005. According to the report, Thompson joined the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006 and spent several years in high-conflict zones, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan occurring in 2006, 2009, and 2011.
This combat experience provided the foundation for his later ceremonial duties.. Before becoming a fixture in the current King's circle, Thompson earned the trust of Queen Elizabeth II, serving as a senior bodyguard during her stays at the Balmoral estate in 2018 and 2019. this trajectory from the front lines to the royal court is a hallmark of the equerry system, which blends military discipline with diplomatic poise.
The pen tray incident and the 2022 Proclamation
While his military record is distinguished, Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson became a global social media sensation due to his composure during moments of extreme historical tension. A defining moment occurred in September 2022, when he was filmed calmly removing a pen tray from a desk to allow King Charles to sign the Proclamation declaring him monarch.
As the report notes, Thompson was also a prominent figure during the lying-in-state of Queen Elizabeth II and the subsequent Coronation at Westminster Abbey. his ability to remain an invisible yet efficient presence—while possessing a "striking presence" that captured the public's imagination—made him a rare celebrity among the royal staff, often discussed by enthusiasts for his professionalism during the monarchy's most volatile transition in decades.
Queen Victoria's 1854 formalization of the military equerry
The role held by Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson is not merely a personal appointment but part of a rigid tradition formalized by Queen Victoria in 1854. This system serves as a living symbol of the enduring link between the British Crown and the armed forces,ensuring that the monarch is always supported by active-duty military officers.
However, the prestige of the position comes with significant personal costs. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted that the role requires "extraordinary hours," as the equerry acts as the primary eyes and ears for the monarch at state events. This high-pressure environment often makes a transition to the private sector inevitable for officers who wish to establish a more stable domestic life.
Which private sector role awaits Lieutenant Colonel Thompson?
The timing of Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson's departure coincides with significant milestones in his personal life.. He married PR executive Olivia Lewis in May 2025 and recently welcomed a daughter, Theodora, suggesting that the move away from the royal household is driven by a desire for family stability.
Despite the confirmation from Buckingham Palace that Thompson is leaving, several details remain unverified. Specifically, the report does not name the company or the specific industry Thompson will enter in the private sector. Furthermore, it remains unclear if the royal household has already selected a successor to fill the senior equerry vacancy that will open at the close of the year.
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