Lieutenant-Colonel Jonny Thompson, the royal equerry to King Charles III widely known on social media as “Major Jonny,” is stepping down from his Buckingham Palace duties by the end of the year after seven years of service to the Windsor family.
The Bottom Line
- The Departure: Lieutenant-Colonel Jonny Thompson is stepping down from his role as royal equerry by the end of the year, concluding seven years of service within the royal household.
- The Reason: Following his marriage to Olivia Lewis and the birth of their daughter Theodora in May 2026, Thompson is shifting toward less chronographically demanding professional pursuits.
- The Cultural Footprint: Rising to prominence during Queen Elizabeth II’s 2022 funeral, Thompson achieved viral fame across TikTok and earned a top-three spot on Tatler’s Social Power Index.
The Departure of Buckingham’s Military Aide
It is the end of an era for one of the unexpected breakout figures of modern royal administration. Buckingham Palace confirmed that Lieutenant-Colonel Jonny Thompson will officially relinquish his active duties as royal equerry by the close of the year. According to palace statements, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were fully informed of the decision well in advance, expressing deep gratitude for his dedicated support over the past seven years.
For a role involving court logistics, Thompson’s tenure generated a level of public fascination. Tasked with managing the sovereign’s daily agenda, coordinating displacements and appointments, greeting visiting heads of state and other guests, and handling official gifts, Thompson combined military precision with a level of digital celebrity for a royal aide.
Balancing Family Life and Royal Duty
Behind the public curiosity lies a personal transition. Thompson married Olivia Lewis—daughter of former Elizabeth II communications chief Simon Lewis. In May 2026, the couple welcomed their daughter, Theodora, almost exactly one year after their marriage.
The convergence of active military duties, demanding royal schedules, and a growing young family ultimately necessitated a career pivot. The lieutenant-colonel is stepping away from the pace of palace life to pursue professional activities that offer greater stability and time with his family, closing a chapter that began seven years ago.
From State Funerals to Viral Stardom on TikTok
To the wider global audience, Thompson burst into public consciousness in September 2022 during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Standing in his Scottish regiment kilt, he sparked a frenzy across digital platforms. A single clip posted to TikTok raced to 7.6 million views in just four days, cementing a digital phenomenon.
Internet subcultures quickly christened him “Major Jonny,” “Jonny Hot T,” and the “Hot Bodyguard.” Fan accounts with thousands of followers tracked his public appearances—from escorting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Buckingham Palace in February 2023 to attending the Royal Ascot and the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph.
Institutional Recognition by Tatler
Thompson’s cultural footprint was acknowledged by high-society publications. The magazine Tatler placed him third on its Social Power Index, ranking him behind King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The publication highlighted his humor and sartorial elegance—alternating between costumes and traditional highland dress—alongside the “calm and charming power” he exhibited behind the scenes.
| Date / Period | Milestone | Context |
|---|---|---|
| August 2018 | Balmoral Service | Photographed alongside Queen Elizabeth II during her summer residence at Balmoral Castle. |
| September 2022 | Global Breakthrough | Attracted viral attention during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, sparking widespread social media engagement. |
| February 2023 | Diplomatic Duties | Welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his official visit to Buckingham Palace. |
| May 2026 | Major Personal Milestone | Birth of daughter, Theodora, approximately one year after his marriage to Olivia Lewis. |
| End of the year | Planned Departure | Stepping down from active royal equerry duties after seven years of service. |
What Comes Next for the Monarchy’s Operations
As the palace prepares for his departure, King Charles III faces the challenge of finding a successor to replace the aide who managed his agenda, displacements, and appointments. Beyond the administrative demands, the royal household is losing a figure who served as a bridge between British pageantry and modern digital fandom.
For the online admirers tracking every kilt-clad stride and diplomatic handshake, the upcoming departure marks a conclusion. Ground Control to Major Jonny: after seven years at the epicenter of the British crown, a chapter of modern royal history comes to a close.
