A senior aide of the King, who became known as “the hot equerry” when he shot to unintentional fame during the coronation, has been moved to a less public-facing role at the Palace.
Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, who also served the late Queen, became something of an internet phenomenon when he appeared in a kilt. Hundreds of fans commented on his “dashing” good looks on social media.
Such was the interest in the King’s aide that Etsy, the online retailer, brought out a tote bag with the slogan: “Major Johnny Thompson: my kilty pleasure.”
Earlier this month, it was reported that the 40-year-old soldier, who had separated from his wife two years beforehand, had “found new love” with Olivia Lewis, a PR executive. The pair are said to have met while Lewis, 33, was working for Charles and Camilla.
Yesterday, Thompson was absent from the room when a new equerry, Lieutenant Commander William Thornton of the Fleet Air Arm, introduced the prime minister for his audience with the King.
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A palace source explained that Thompson “remains senior equerry to the King and the Queen, in a more executive and less public-facing role”.
He is understood not to have enjoyed the public attention he received after attending several high-profile events with the King. Thompson was named “Major Eye Candy” after being seen with Charles and Camilla on engagements such as their visit to Rwanda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Thompson was last year promoted from major to lieutenant colonel. As one of the King’s most-trusted courtiers, he accompanied the royal family on their procession to church at Sandringham on Christmas Day.
Now, he will carry out his duties away from the public eye as he helps the King with his private affairs.
He serves with the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland and was placed on secondment within the royal household.
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In a rare interview with the BBC, he spoke about joining the late Queen at Balmoral, saying: “One evening myself and my wife, we were invited to one of the bothies on the estates to dine with Her Majesty.
“She straight away would start making the salad dressing, setting the table and the night culminated with me doing the washing up alongside her, which is a lovely memory.”
