Lt. Col. Johnny Thompson, famously dubbed the “hot equerry” to King Charles, has officially announced his engagement to his girlfriend of a year and a half, Olivia Lewis, marking a significant new chapter for one of the royal household’s most admired figures.
Known for his composed presence at major royal events, Thompson’s engagement brings joy to the couple and a bit of bittersweet news to admirers.
Johnny Thompson Announces Engagement
Following the tradition of Britain’s upper class, Thompson and Lewis shared their happy news in The Times. The official announcement read:
“The engagement is announced between Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson of Morpeth, Northumberland, and Olivia Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Lewis OBE of Primrose Hill, London.”
Thompson first joined the army in 2006 at the age of 22 as part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, steadily rising through the ranks.
Over the years, he worked closely with the late Queen Elizabeth, eventually becoming her most senior bodyguard. Following her passing, he transitioned into his current role as King Charles’s Super Equerry, where he played key roles in both the Queen’s funeral and the King’s coronation.
Thompson’s composed yet dashing presence has made him a favorite among the public, especially when he was photographed at royal events in traditional regimental attire or morning dress.
With the official confirmation of his relationship status, hopes for Thompson as Britain’s most eligible bachelor were quickly dashed.
Rumors of a split with his former wife had only recently circulated when he was spotted looking especially close to his girlfriend, Olivia Lewis, at several events earlier in the year.
The couple, who have kept their romance largely out of the spotlight, were last seen together at Trooping the Colour in June.
It seems Thompson and Lewis have more than just romance in common; Lewis has also worked closely with the royal family, and her background reflects deep ties to the royal communications world.
As a PR executive, she follows in the footsteps of her father, Simon Lewis, who once served as the Queen’s director of communications and later worked for Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Though Thompson’s current role with the King is primarily office-based, allowing him to focus on organizing the monarch’s personal affairs, he has been a fixture in royal ceremonies for years.
His more public-facing duties are now covered by Captain Kat Anderson, the first female equerry in British history, who stepped into a high-profile position after serving as an aide to Rishi Sunak.
Thompson’s contributions to the royal family have earned him a well-regarded place in the King’s inner circle. His secondment from the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland has been extended to allow him to continue his royal duties, a rare honor that shows how highly the family values his work.
His fond memories of his time with Queen Elizabeth even include a cherished dinner invitation at Balmoral, where he and his former wife shared a private meal with the late Queen herself.
While the wedding date remains unconfirmed, many speculate the ceremony may be held in Northumberland or London, where each of their families is based. And whenever the day comes, it’s likely that King Charles and Queen Camilla will be among the honored guests.