When Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson was spotted beside former Prime Minister Liz Truss as she met for the first time with King Charles III, he was instantly labelled a 'heart throb'. One Twitter user wrote, ‘PM Truss is the envy of the world. A weekly meeting with Johnny – I mean, King Charles?’ Unsurprisingly, he almost stole the show at King Charles' coronation, appearing alongside another hot equerry and earning himself the title 'rather dashing.' The King certainly knows how to pick 'em.
But now, the world's hottest equerry has removed himself from our (very respectful) admiring gaze. The King's right-hand man reportedly decided to shift his role, stepping out of the public eye after his looks went viral.
It was recently revealed that Thompson - who was promoted from Major to Lieutenant Colonel - had transitioned into a new role, with a source telling The Times that he 'remains senior equerry to the King and the Queen, in a more executive and less public-facing role.' He was last seen publicly escorting the royal family to Church on Christmas Day, before transitioning into a more private role.
Nicknamed 'Major Eye Candy' by TikTok, with video montages viewed over 8.6 million times, everyone wants to know more about the Royals' trusted guard.
Who exactly is Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, the resident Palace hearthrob? Here's everything you need to know.
Who is Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson?
Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson is from the Royal Regiment of Scotland. He's long been a steady presence for the royal family, working for the late Queen Elizabeth for years. He was once the Queen's most senior bodyguard, before becoming King Charles III's equerry before he took to the throne. Following the Queen's passing, he was promoted to the role of Super Equerry to the King.
Lieutenant Colonel Thompson joined the British Army in 2006, later serving as a senior officer in the British Army. In his role as an officer of the British Royal household, Major Thompson often attends public events with the Royals. He'll also be in close contact with the monarch while he is at royal residences, such as Buckingham Palace.
In light of the King's recent diagnosis, it's said Major Thompson is supporting him through his cancer battle.
What is an Equerry?
Equerries are responsible for the detailed planning and execution of the royals' daily programmes. No matter whether mourning or celebrating, the equerries will ensure the diaries are readjusted and plans running like clockwork. Equerries are appointed by working members of the Royal Family and are drawn from senior officers of the British Army.
How old is Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson?
Major Johnny Thompson is currently 40 years old.
Is Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson married?
While he did tie the knot with marketing manager Caroline in 2010 - with whom he shares a young son - reports of their split were confirmed when he was spotted hand in hand with Olivia Lewis, leaving her West London home.
Olivia also has ties to the royal family, having worked for both King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla. She now works as a PR executive. As well as having her own royal links, Olivia's father, Simon Lewis, was the former communication head for the late Queen Elizabeth following the death of Princess Diana.