As King Charles' summer break draws to a close, he'll be returning to full royal duties, where behind-the-scenes he'll be busy making a plan about a brand-new right-hand-man (or woman), as his trusty equerry Jonny Thompson has just announced his departure from the royal household.
Jonny will conclude his role at the end of the calendar year, and it has not yet been announced who will take over this very important role of assisting His and Her Majesty. This news comes four months after Jonny became a father again, welcoming a daughter in May.
© Getty ImagesKing Charles rarely speaks out about his employees on a personal level, but the palace has 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."
Jonny's illustrious career
© PoolJonny is a heavily decorated military individual with 22 years of service, and he has worked within the royal household for seven years. In 2018, Jonny became the late Queen Elizabeth II's bodyguard and progressed to equerry to The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in December 2019 before becoming The King’s Equerry on Accession in September 2022.
Unexpected royal bonds
As well as his close relationship with King Charles and Queen Camilla and previously Queen Elizabeth II, Jonny has recently made headlines for his surprising friendship with a younger royal, Lady Louise Windsor.
© Getty ImagesPrince Edward's daughter has been working behind-the-scenes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show for years, and during some time off she was enjoying the display alongside Jonny.
In photos, the pair were side by side chatting away as they watched the display, which included 'Azerbaijan - Land of Fire', the 'DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games' and the 'Musical Drive of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.'
Jonny's personal life
Jonny and his wife Olivia welcomed a baby girl named Theodora on 20 May 2026, one year after their wedding day. They tied the knot in May 2025 in St Mary's church in Wiltshire, before hosting a lunch and reception at Olivia's parents' house. Olivia is the daughter of Simon Lewis, a former communications secretary to Queen Elizabeth, who later worked as the director of communications for former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Jonny also shares a son with his first wife, Caroline Thompson, but details remain private.
