The arrival of King Charles III’s coronation has thrust many extended members of the royal staff into the spotlight.
But one royal staff member in particular has caught the eye of people everywhere: Major Johnny Thompson.
After his appearance standing beside former Prime Minister Liz Truss as she met with King Charles III back in September, Major Johnny instantly became a social media hearthrob.
Our Johnny Thompson has a major role is all this. Making sure the Pages get it right and everything runs smoothly. pic.twitter.com/P3OUlDennL
— Karen, that is my name 🦖... blue ticks are boring (@SG1Danny) May 6, 2023
And his appearance at the King’s coronation today has set the internet alight again.
One user on Twitter said: “Is anyone watching Major Johnny Thompson...I mean the Coronation!!!”.
Another fan tweeted: “Not gona lie, I’m most excited about seeing lots of Major Johnny Thompson tomorrow during the Cory Bobs for Chazzle Dazzle.”
So who is the new King’s equerry everybody is talking about?
Who is Major Johnny Thompson and what does an equerry do?
Major Johnny Thompson, of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, is King Charles III’s equerry, which is an officer of the royal household who assists members of the royal family.
As the King’s equerry, he is responsible for the detailed planning and execution of the monarch’s daily programmes. This includes looking after carriages, coaches and Rolls-Royces used at state ceremonies, including Trooping the Colour and the state opening of Parliament.
Major Thompson is also required to attend other public events and be in close contact with the King. However, this is far from his first role within the royal household. He has been Queen Elizabeth II’s most senior bodyguard, having joined the army in 2006, later becoming a platoon commander.
The officer was seen by the Queen’s side during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year and accompanied King Charles and Camilla on their royal visit to Greece in 2021.
Born in Morpeth, Northumberland, Major Thompson lives in Surrey with his family. He married his wife, a marketing manager named Caroline, in 2010, and they have a four-year-old son.
Before his army career, he graduated from Aberystwyth University in 2004 with a degree in economics and politics with international studies.
While attending university he was a member of the undergraduate officer training corps, according to his LinkedIn profile.
