Looking forward to another marvelous "back & forth" conversation soon!Could we swoon for Jonny any more? I wish I could be taught a few reels by him.
Thanks for all the info this evening.
Lt. Colonel Johnny Thompson of the Scots Guards and Handsome Men In Kilts **Appreciation Thread
- Thread starter Maggie Muggins
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Jonny doing the Virginia Reel was literally the only thing I thought about last night!
There is SOMETHING SPECIAL about Jonny, for sure. It’s been mentioned before here on PF, but I don’t know exactly what it is!? He has charisma for sure and a regal bearing..
I think the ‘ring’ went missing in October, after the Queens funeral in Sept.
I don’t think Jonny is a senior equerry.?
The Royal Household lists about 12 senior equerries, some titled. (or more)
When I can find it again, I‘ll post it.
The Queens military equerry only stayed 3 years.
Yes, but they still spell Jonny with a H and call him Queens
FORMER BODY GUARD!!!
I think I remember seeing an article about this. The King was appointing equerries (some with titles) and they were all a similar age to the King. I got the impression that these people would fulfil a similar role to ladies in waiting, whereas Jonny's role is to organise the logistics of the King's schedule and accompany him (I guess the private secretary actually makes the schedule). Jonny is still in the Army and I imagine they will want him back at some point, however I think his contract has been extended as to not have a lot of new people at the beginning of a new reign. He may well move into a permanent role with the royal family if someone retires but that would mean leaving the army. He may well even get a title when he leaves.
I think Jonny is grateful for the opportunities that he has been given and is living his best life while doing it.
A new video of the King and Jonny's arrival at Balmoral to inspect the 5 Scots Honour Guard has popped up on YouTube. It looks like it was taken by someone on the outside of the fence so there is a different perspective from the other videos. Here is the link.
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I’m going to weigh in on this one.
Jonny is an officer in the British Army, not a celebrity. I think the word ’appreciation’ in this thread’s title should be the guide. Appreciation doesn’t mean stalking the poor chap relentlessly, digging up old photos that are no body’s business but his, his family and his friends, or speculating on his personal life. Delving into his personal life has nothing to do with ‘appreciation’.
I can remember some years ago, long before he became a social media sensation when he and his family still felt comfortable having social media accounts, someone commented on a picture of Jonny in his kilt performing his duties. The comment was something about “the hottie in the kilt”. After some embarrassingly drooling replies, his Dad popped up and posted a reply saying “That’s my son you are talking about…”.
Perhaps that is what should be remembered. He is a father, son, brother, uncle, cousin. And a lot of comments in many social media channels are often inappropriate. His young child is now at school, and I doubt Jonny thought there would be a time where his notoriety would mean he had to deal with his child being subjected to playground discussion and gossip about him.
If Jonny wanted to be a celebrity, and the world to know his business, I’m sure he could make public comments or posts own photos etc. Instead, he locked down all his social media and asked his family and friends to do the same. He has remained steadfastly silent despite clamours for interviews etc., which should indicate to all that he has no enthusiasm for the public’s interest in anything but his public duties.
Speculation on his private life is unwarranted. Those who know, know. Those who don’t, have no need to do so. IF, and I repeat, IF, he and his wife are no longer together, what business is it of anyone’s apart from those they wish to know? IF he is separated or divorced what difference does it make to simple appreciation of an honourable man going about his duties in an exemplary way? Would it change anyone’s life knowing if he is single, married, gay, straight, bi, looking, or with a new partner. He is still the person we appreciate without us having that knowledge. And IF he has been through a marriage breakup, imagine how much more difficult it would have been trying not to have it a matter for endless speculation, especially as it could affect his child? And IF he was trying to establish a new relationship, imagine how challenging that would be with constant scrutiny?
That he continues to perform his duties with charm, grace, and a smile, is a testament to the qualities we admire and appreciate in him. That he is ridiculously good looking doesn’t go unnoticed, but that is as far as it should go.
He has been thrust into the spotlight simply because of a twist of fate, and because he is good at his job. He is good at his job because he has dedicated himself to being the best he can as an officer.
My husband was an officer in the Army so I know what is involved. The training, study, exams, assessments etc. required to progress up the ranks and to be confirmed past a short service commission, intermediate commission, and to achieve a regular commission. These days it does not just happen on a nod and a wink. It takes talent, dedication and application. Being a pretty face doesn’t have anything to do with it.
Seeing Jonny being photoshopped with 'sexy' designer stubble’etc is very sad. It goes completely against all the regulations of how an office should present himself, and although Jonny is good natured and takes most of the attention in good part, I’m sure that sort of thing doesn’t amuse him.
Free speech is a right, and those who want to speculate will continue to do so. It would just be nice if people questioned if there is a desperate necessity before they did.
Equerries - for those who are interested, and to clarify… And with grateful thanks to my husband for all the Military info!!
Jonny’s current role is officially described as THE Equerry-in-waiting to HM King Charles III. A title typically shortened to Equerry to the King, and that can be understood when compared to that of a Lady-in-waiting. The ‘in-waiting’ has nothing to do with waiting!
He was previously appointed to, and known as, the Equerry to TRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall (as they were formerly known). Since the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the accession of the King, Jonny’s role changed as well.
There are a number of other Equerries that represent the King at different times. Most of these are retired members of the Royal Household or the Military. The person most frequently seen accompanying the King when Jonny is absent is Captain James Boggis-Rolf, whose title is not the dismounted Equerry! That was a description provided for photos purely for one day and occasion, Trooping the Colour. He was described as ‘ dismounted' because the other Aides to the King were all on horseback.
Captain Boggis-Rolfe occupies a traditional role, that of the the part-time equerry, which he combines with other duties at his Regiment and has fulfilled since at least the time of the late Queen’s passing, as he can be seen in photos during this period. He is not ’next-in-line’ to be the Equerry to the King. Firstly he is relatively young, only having commissioned a few years ago, and secondly, as a Captain his rank is not senior enough to be the King’s Equerry. Also, the military take it in turns for different branches to provide the Equerry to the Monarch, so the next Equerry will probably be from the Navy or Air Force, and of an equivalent rank to Jonny’s.
The transition for a new Equerry is not protracted. There is probably only a few weeks handover. Most of the protocols etc, don’t need to be taught to an experienced officer, and there are a plethora of procedures documented. Plus the rest of the Household, particularly the Master - currently Sir Anthony Johnston-Burke, and the Principal Private Secretary - currently Sir Clive Alderton, are available for assistance and direction.
Sadly, as we know, the general media have very little interest in accuracy. For instance we all know Jonny is still an officer in the Army.
However most have no idea when he was promoted to Lt Col and assume it was when the media woke up to it. In fact it was almost immediately he became the Equerry to the King, that he was promoted. In September almost immediately following the death of the late Queen - not late in October as reported in the media!
On the 12 September at Westminster Hall he still has only a Major’s Crown and PoW cypher on his shoulder boards. (Forgive the poor pics please, I was searching quickly for examples!)
On 14 September when the late Queen’s coffin was moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, Jonny can be clearly seen to have a Lt Col’s Crown AND Pip, plus the cypher on his shoulders, and in all pics from that day on.
Speculation here, but I think we can assume he is currently an ‘acting’ as Lt Col as his promotion from Major has not yet been gazetted. It would make sense for him not to be confirmed as Lt Col until he has the requisite number of men - typically around 650 - actually under his command, rather than a ceremonial role. However, he currently has all the privileges of a ‘full’ Lt Col, and his promotion will be backdated to the date he was made up when it is confirmed.
As for Jonny’s longevity in the role, and again this is only informed speculation as there has not been precedent and Jonny’s circumstances are very particular. He did indeed take up his appointment as Equerry to TRH the former PoW and DofC in March 2020 but did not perform any ‘public’ duties until June of 2020. I think we can safely assume though that he was busy behind the scenes as he moved to London at the time of his appointment.
Generally an Equerry does only serve for 3 years - the rotation is to allow all the Services and other officers to benefit from the exposure. However, due to the death of the late Queen, the rule book has been ripped up! The King is known to like continuity, and it is no secret that he and Jonny suit each other very well. The King would probably have found it disruptive to ‘break-in’ a new Equerry while he was trying to adapt to his new role.
I think we can presume that Jonny's term as Equerry is coming to an end imminently as it is unlikely the Military will relinquish wanting a rotation to take place. There has been some thought that as Lt Col Tom White was appointed to be Equerry to the Monarch (the late Queen) in November 2020, that the role of Equerry to the Monarch (now Jonny) should continue until THAT 3 years is up, which would allow the King to retain Jonny as Equerry until November 2023.
After that, it would be Jonny’s decision if he accepts a role within the Royal Household - if offered, or returns to his career in the Army. He has put a lot of his life and considerable effort into his Army career, so I imagine it would be a difficult decision. But ultimately he will decide given the circumstances at the time. It doesn’t appear there is currently a role available at his level in the Royal Household, but something may be created or become vacant if senior members of the Household, the King, and Jonny all want it. We will see! All we can do is wish him well regardless.
I doubt he will leave with a title. That is usually an accolade for someone who has served the Monarch personally for a longer period. If he leaves to return to the army, I would expect him to immediately have an honour from the Victorian Order bestowed on him, which is usual for departing Equerries. If he stays, I think he will be honoured with a knighthood, in time.
Whatever happens, I think we can all agree that Jonny has well and truly fulfilled the task of raising the profile of Royal Regiment of Scotland.
I agree with every sentiment you’ve expressed over the last two posts and I think for the most part, this thread is VERY good at respecting his privacy and keeping a strict line between his public duties and keeping his personal life out of the thread - like you said, it really is none of our business! And I know there was some commotion around the jubilee in which those over on Twitter/X began posting images from his and his close circle’s socials which is unacceptable.
There have been times, especially from like October-Christmas/new year where it has made me uncomfortable as you could clearly see him trying to actively avoid the cameras by hiding behind pillars etc.
Regarding the promotion: I had heard it was earlier. Sure it was part of the funeral coverage that he HAD to be promoted to Lt. Col as the major rank was too low with regards to being the monarchs Equerry. Either way, I’m sure his whole family and friends must be incredibly proud of him; how many get to say that through all those years of hard work and dedication to the armed forces (including overseas tours) that he would be so close and prominent at a pivotal moment in British royal history! And credit to his nearest and dearest for understanding and supporting him all these years!
There have been times, especially from like October-Christmas/new year where it has made me uncomfortable as you could clearly see him trying to actively avoid the cameras by hiding behind pillars etc.
Regarding the promotion: I had heard it was earlier. Sure it was part of the funeral coverage that he HAD to be promoted to Lt. Col as the major rank was too low with regards to being the monarchs Equerry. Either way, I’m sure his whole family and friends must be incredibly proud of him; how many get to say that through all those years of hard work and dedication to the armed forces (including overseas tours) that he would be so close and prominent at a pivotal moment in British royal history! And credit to his nearest and dearest for understanding and supporting him all these years!
