King Charles Equerry Jonny Thompson to Leave Royal Household

Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, the popular senior equerry to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, will leave the Royal Household at the end of the year after nearly 22 years of military service, Buckingham Palace confirmed. Thompson, 43, plans to pursue a career in the private sector, bringing his time in the British Army to a close. A palace spokesman stated that Their Majesties were aware of the plan in advance and are grateful for his support over the past seven years. Thompson officially informed the King and Queen of his decision on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. His departure follows other recent changes within the King's inner circle, including the announcement that Sir Clive Alderton, the King's principal private secretary, will step back next May, and the recent retirement of the King's butler, Bernie Flannery. Thompson has served as a personal assistant to the monarch, a role that involves assisting with daily duties, standing beside him at public events, and managing the ceremonial vehicles used for state occasions. He joined the British Army in 2005 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2006, 2009, and 2011.