King Charles' 'hunky' kilt-clad assistant who won legion of fans gets big promotion

He's been a constant at the side of King Charles - assisting him in the first few weeks of his reign. And "hunky" kilt-clad equerry Johnny Thompson, who has won a legion of swooning fans online has seemingly earned a promotion.

The 39-year-old was on hand to assist the King as he welcomed Rishi Sunak to Buckingham Palace earlier this week, where he was formally appointed Prime Minister. He was seen shaking hands with the new PM in the palace forecourt alongside Sir Clive Alderton, principal private secretary to the King and Sir Edward Young, joint principal private secretary to the King.

King Charles with Major Johnny Thompson as he addresses Parliament earlier this month (Getty Images)

King Charles' equerry Johnny Thompson welcomes Rishi Sunak to Buckingham Palace (PA)

And his appearance didn't escape eagle-eyed royal fans, who also noticed that rather than being described as a major, the equerry was described as Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson - a jump in his rank.

One on Twitter said: "Never a chore to see Major Johnny Thompson at the Palace in his kilt. That man is handsome as.

"He's got a promotion, which is great but he will always be our Major Johnny Thompson."

While another added: "I think Major Johnny has had an upgrade, I’ve just read Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, how exciting is that!!"

He was also on hand to shake hands with Liz Truss (PA)

Meanwhile, other fans of the equerry took to social media to voice their delight in seeing him at Buckingham Palace, where he also greeted Liz Truss as she arrived to formally tender her resignation.

One fan said: "Major Johnny Thompson now on the tele … gosh he looks SMART!"

Another tweeted: "Major Johnny Thompson is wearing his uniform as he is in the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland & is King Charles III's equerry. The kilt is his uniform but he looks just as lush in a lounge suit."

Lieutenant Colonel Thompson with Liz Truss at Buckingham Palace earlier this month (ALPR/AdMedia / SplashNews.com)

Lieutenant Colonel Thompson also worked for the Queen (PA)

While another wrote: "Our King is such a lucky man to have Johnny as his equerry."

The lieutenant colonel is from the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland and is often seen wearing a traditional kilt. He previously worked for the late Queen too.

Equerries are drawn from the armed forces and are required to assist the royals both inside their residences and when out and about on public engagements.

Since being thrust into the spotlight, he has developed a strong online following with many swooning over him.

One fan previously wrote on Twitter : "Major Jonny Thompson is a tremendous hunk!"

Another remarked: "We need more footage of the rather handsome kilted Major Jonny Thompson."

While one said: "I think I’m getting a wee crush on King Charles‘s new royal equerry."