King Charles has lost a third trusted and senior aide in as many months after his viral handsome equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, announced he is quitting.
Thompson–known as “Major Eye Candy” on TikTok—joins the departing ranks of Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s private secretary, and Bernie Flannery, his long-time butler of more than 40 years.
The Palace said that Thompson, dubbed the “hot equerry” after photos of him in a kilt became an unlikely internet thirst trap, will pursue a career in the private sector.
Among his admirers was Martha Stewart, who posted her admiration for him on Instagram when she met him at a reception in New York during King Charles’ and Queen Camilla’s visit to the United States in April.
“Can’t believe I got this close to the ‘hot Equerry,’” Stewart wrote in her caption. She continued praising Thompson, calling him, “Totally charming,” “completely cool” and “Exceedingly handsome.”
An equerry is a term for a personal assistant to the British royalty.
Thompson is also leaving the British Army after nearly 22 years of military service in the Royal Regiment of Scotland, whose ceremonial dress uniform he frequently wore for royal events.
A spokesman said: “Their Majesties were of course aware of this plan in advance and I know they are most grateful to Jonny for his support over the past seven years and wish him all the best for the future.”
Thompson was close to Queen Elizabeth II and served as her personal ceremonial guard before being appointed equerry to Charles and Camilla in 2019.
He joined the Army in 2005 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2006, 2009 and 2011.
The departure comes after another aide, Sir Clive Alderton, 60, left his role in the royal household earlier this summer after 20 years.
In his memoir, Prince Harry referred to Alderton as “the wasp” because while he was typically quiet and self-effacing, Harry said he would give anyone who crossed him an unexpected “sting.”
Another of the king’s trusted aides, Bernie Flannery, also resigned in August.
Flannery, who stuck by the king’s side for decades, was seen as one of the most loyal staffers. He was so valued by both Charles and Princess Diana that, after their 1996 divorce, both reportedly wanted him to continue working for them. He ultimately chose Charles.
With Thompson now joining Alderton and Flannery on the way out, Charles’ once consistent inner circle is looking less familiar.
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