King Charles Loses Another Key Aide — the Third Senior Figure to Leave in Weeks
This comes just weeks after Sir Clive Alderton also stepped down from his duty earlier this month.
In July, the monarchy witnessed Sir Clive Alderton, the principal private secretary and most senior aide to Their Majesties, announce his retirement. It had been speculated that this move orchestrated the Sussexes' return to the UK since Prince Harry had dubbed Alderton "the Wasp" in his famous memoir Spare. Within a month of this news, another shocking resignation has rocked 'the firm.'
According to GBN News, Buckingham Palace has confirmed the resignation of King Charles' Senior Equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson. Lt. Col. Thompson informed the Royal Household of his decision to leave his role, also concluding an extraordinary military career. He joined the British Army in 2006 as a member of the Fifth Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland. A palace 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."
It is believed that Col. Thompson will advance his career by taking up a position in the private sector. In the past, he served as Equerry at the late Queen’s annual residence in Balmoral in 2018 and 2019. He was appointed Equerry to the Prince and Princess of Wales in December 2019 and became the monarch's Equerry in September 2022 after Charles ascended the throne.
Lt. Col. Thompson is said to be the third top aide to leave Their Majesties' service. Bernie Flannery, the King's butler for over 40 years, stepped down from his position this weekend, The Sun reported. Thompson was also a senior bodyguard to the late Queen and participated in the procession that carried her coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall during the four days of lying in state. The Lieutenant gained significant attention during King Charles' State Visit to the US in April, when he accompanied Their Majesties.
He was also present at the fifth Annual King’s Trust Global Gala in New York, where he encountered Martha Stewart. Earlier, he was spotted with Lady Louise Windsor at The Royal Windsor Horse Show. He is married to Olivia, a PR executive and the daughter of Simon Lewis, the former communications secretary to Queen Elizabeth. The couple is said to have welcomed their first child, Theodora, in May.
According to HELLO! Lt. Col. Thompson is expected to step down at the end of the year, after almost seven years, with no announcement yet regarding his successor to assist Their Majesties.
