Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, “hot squire” and right-hand man to King Charles III, has reportedly decided to remove his role from the public eye amid intense scrutiny and online attention.
On Thursday (February 23), The times reported that the 40-year-old top assistant was planning to transition into a different role after sparking a public frenzy with his good looks. According to a palace source, Thompson “remains the King and Queen's chief equerry, in a more executive and less public role.”
The outlet added that “it is understood that Thompson did not enjoy the public attention he received after attending several high-profile events with the King.”
The aide was last seen publicly accompanying the royal family to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on Christmas Day. As he takes on his newest and most private role, he is expected to continue supporting the King, 75, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Thompson initially went viral on social media after a clip of King Charles' inauguration in September 2022 began circulating online. The clip, which has since been viewed more than 8.6 million times on TikTok, shows Thompson dressed in his navy suit carrying several bags and an umbrella as he walked through the gates of Buckingham Palace days after the death. long reigning queen. Isabel.
In the comments section, many noted how attractive he was, with some writing that he is “James Bond” level.
“I've never seen someone look so stylish while carrying four bags,” one person wrote. “He doesn't have an uncomfortable bone in her body.”
Multiple videos of the squire circulated on social media, including one at the late Queen's funeral ceremony in which he wore a green kilt and military dress. Her public appearances have often gone viral simply because of her good looks.
“I must admit there were times I was a little distracted today,” one fan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, after catching a glimpse of the King's “hot squire.” Another added: “King Charles III's equerry is quite elegant.”
Following the Queen's death, Thompson was also seen greeting and escorting several leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February 2023, and then-Prime Minister Liz Truss at Buckingham Palace in October 2022.
Major Thompson has had a long-standing working relationship with the royal family for many years, serving as the Queen's most senior bodyguard for several years. As an equerry, Thompson acts as an official of the British royal household whose job is to assist and attend to various members of the royal family. Since 2006 he has been a member of the 5th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.
