In an unexpected turn of events, Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, known for his charm and closeness to King Charles, made a public appearance at the Easter service last Sunday.
His appearance comes despite his recent retirement from public life.
The presence of Thompson, who was catapulted to fame after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, caused a stir among attendees and on social media, where he had previously attracted attention.
In February, it was reported that Thompson had been promoted to a more administrative position within the royal household.
The handsome worker took on key responsibilities in organizing the monarch’s schedule and coordinating his official engagements.
This change meant that his public appearances were less frequent, to the disappointment of his many female admirers.
Buckingham Palace insiders say Thompson, 40, will play a more executive role, although his presence will be less conspicuous.
It is understood that Thompson did not enjoy the public attention he received after attending high-profile events alongside the King.
A palace source told the outlet that Thompson “remains senior equerry to the King and the Queen, in a more executive and less public-facing role.” The dedicated equerry is “understood not to have enjoyed the public attention he received after attending several high-profile events with the King.”
Johnny Thompson at the Easter church service
During the Easter service, Thompson was spotted at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, a venue also attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family.
Unlike previous occasions, Thompson opted for formal attire instead of his regiment’s traditional kilt.
Thompson’s attendance at the service marked her first significant appearance since adopting a lower profile. After becoming a viral sensation.
Thompson, a member of the 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, has been a familiar figure to royal fans since escorting Queen Elizabeth to a battalion review at Balmoral Castle in 2018.
Following the queen’s death at the age of 96, Thompson was promoted to super equerry to King Charles, according to Tatler.
Thompson was by King Charles’ side for some of the most major events during the first year of his reign, including greeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Buckingham Palace in February 2023, joining the King and Queen for their first state visit abroad that March and playing a prominent role during their May 6 coronation at Westminster Abbey.
The equerry memorably kept a watchful eye over Prince George and King Charles’ other three Pages of Honor at the crowning ceremony as they carried his robes.
Who is Johnny Thompson’s girlfriend?
As for his personal life, Thompson, who is a father and was married, was recently spotted in London with Olivia Lewis, a public relations executive.
According to the Daily Mail, Thompson separated from his wife almost two years ago and is currently in a relationship with Lewis, with whom he is said to be very happy.
Lewis, who has strong royal connections, met Thompson while working for Charles and Camilla.
Her father, Simon Lewis, was a leading communications adviser to the Queen and played a crucial role in improving her image after the death of Princess Diana.
Simon Lewis later became an adviser to former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.