Lt. Colonel Johnny Thompson of the Scots Guards and Handsome Men In Kilts **Appreciation Thread

[jessie32]

Thank you.

Thank you thank you thank you for setting out exactly what appreciation should be. What Jonny has achieved is through his hard work and dedication. I hope whatever position is offered will take his career where he wants it to go, stretches his abilities and most importantly makes him happy. He, obviously, has a good working relationship with His Majesty but he looks so happy when in a military situation. Whatever happens he has brightened a lot of days and just seeing him brings a smile. Perhaps his next appointment will take him out of the spotlight and let him, his family and friends go back to a normal life. I personally wish him health and happiness

 

[laurajones123]

I think I might cry the day he leaves! I will miss his smile

 

[lizle]

I have two questions for RomeGirl but I need to work my way into them.

First, thank you for taking time to give us two extremely detailed and welcome conversations about Jonny.

Jonny served as Equerry to the Prince of Wales/Duke and Dutchess of Cornwall for approximately 2.5 years. The King could have had Jonny returned to the Royal Regiment of Scotland, I believe, if he so wished and started his reign with a new Equerry. As you said, the King likes continuity and has chosen to retain Jonny as his Equerry. Jonny must be exceptionally good at performing his Royal duties and appears to have developed an excellent and congenial relationship with the King or he would not have been retained. He must also work diligently toward maintaining professional and cordial relationships with those working around him and with the king within the Royal Household.

That the King chose to retain Jonny as his Equerry speaks volumes about the type of man and commanding officer Jonny must be. He must possess and demonstrate strong personal and professional core values (top level work quality, immediate responses to the job's needs, dependability, integrity, correctness, diplomacy, honesty) to successfully carry out his duties and responsibilities to the satisfaction of the King and to be accepted by those of higher standing and longer tenure in the Royal Household.

I am curious about the honor normally bestowed upon an Equerry at the end of their term. Jonny's Equerry position, it would seem, has been anything but normal. He served as Equerry to the Prince of Wales, served through the passing the the late Queen, worked side-by-side with the King and Queen during the week between the late Monarch's passing and her funeral, traveled with the King across the land to meetings, speeches and church services and the coronation. No rest it would seem for anyone. Then the settling into the elevated position of King's Equerry and matching his own work pace to that of a King who never stops working. Being appointed the Groom of the Robes is certainly an honor from the King and is a position that is normally held for many years.

So, at last, here are my questions. I believe La Rhumba's research revealed that there is only one other case in the history of the line of Kings when an Equerry served as Equerry for two different royal positions. So, Jonny would be only the second Equerry in history to do this. Is it conceivable that Jonny could receive two honors at the end of his time as Equerry ... one for his 2.5 years as Equerry to the Prince of Wales and another for his time as Equerry to the King? And, my second question is, after all of his devoted service working shoulder-to-shoulder with the King and Queen after her Majesty's death, can we expect to see Jonny awarded the same funeral medal that so many others have received?

 

[La Rhumba]

I believe La Rhumba's research revealed that there is only one other case in the history of the line of Kings when an Equerry served as Equerry for two different royal positions. So, Jonny would be only the second Equerry in history to do this. Is it conceivable that Jonny could receive two honors at the end of his time as Equerry ... one for his 2.5 years as Equerry to the Prince of Wales and another for his time as Equerry to the King? And, my second question is, after all of his devoted service working shoulder-to-shoulder with the King and Queen after her Majesty's death, can we expect to see Jonny awarded the same funeral medal that so many others have received?

Indeed, it was Diana's Father, Jonny Spencer.

He served as equerry to King George VI (1950–52) and to Queen Elizabeth II (1952–54), and was invested as a Member (fourth class) of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in 1954

As far as I know Jonny has already received his Funeral Medal and wears it. There were so many awarded they weren't given personally by the King but the recipients got the medal. As Major he had 3 medals on his ceremonial uniform, he now has 5 or 6.

 

[lizle]

Indeed, it was Diana's Father, Jonny Spencer.

He served as equerry to King George VI (1950–52) and to Queen Elizabeth II (1952–54), and was invested as a Member (fourth class) of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in 1954

As far as I know Jonny has already received his Funeral Medal and wears it. There were so many awarded they weren't given personally by the King but the recipients got the medal. As Major he had 3 medals on his ceremonial uniform, he now has 5 or 6.

After a bit of research, I believe Jonny's medals, from left to right, are for Iraq, Afghanistan, Diamond Jubilee, Platinum Jubilee and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. I think his 6th medal (inserted to the left of his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal) is for the King's coronation which is why I wonder why he has not received the medal issued for the Queen's funeral but I could be mistaken. It just seems that he should be honored with both due to the depth and devotion of his work for the King during those events. If he is awarded the funeral medal he would be wearing medal #7.

 

[lizle]

Indeed, it was Diana's Father, Jonny Spencer.

He served as equerry to King George VI (1950–52) and to Queen Elizabeth II (1952–54), and was invested as a Member (fourth class) of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in 1954

As far as I know Jonny has already received his Funeral Medal and wears it. There were so many awarded they weren't given personally by the King but the recipients got the medal. As Major he had 3 medals on his ceremonial uniform, he now has 5 or 6.

I am not familiar with the honors awarded to Equerries. Do you know if the MVO is the standard honor for all Equerries or was it a special honor due to his service to a King and a Queen.

 

[La Rhumba]

I am not familiar with the honors awarded to Equerries. Do you know if the MVO is the standard honor for all Equerries or was it a special honor due to his service to a King and a Queen.

Well done on the Jonny Medals research! Yes, where is his Queen's Funeral medal?

The MVO is the honour awarded to all Equerries when their service comes to an end.

Following on from what RomeGirl was saying about how much time he has left, and what his options are? Even if Jonny chooses to return to the Army, and who could blame him? There is always the possibility of him returning to work for the Sovereign as Private Secretary when he leaves the Army at 50 (I believe it's compulsory to retire at 50). He could even be Private Secretary for King William if Charles has passed away. One of the reasons he is so good at his job is due to the degree he has in International Relations and Politics. He will not lose that in 10 years but have even more experience in leading and Commanding a team and thinking strategically, organisation, etc. We may still see Jonny in the future!

 

[laurajones123]

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.

Maybe our speculation overstepped the mark a bit. You are right his relationship status doesn't change anything and he has been the pinnacle of professionalism through what has probably been a life changing couple of years for him and he has also been there for the King through a very difficult year. Only smiley, public Jonny pics from now on.

 

[laurajones123]

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.

So found some stuff on wiki about senior, junior, extra and temporary equerries.

 

[La Rhumba]

Seeing Prince William's Equerry Rob with him at the Rugby in Bordeaux, I couldn't help feel a pang for Jonny, probably watching on TV at home, as a big Rugby fan and former Army player. The King was never really one for Sporting Patronages, apart from Equestrian events or Highland Games. So poor Jonny has never had an opportunity to accompany him to watch a big Rugby match. Bless.

 

[lizle]

Seeing Prince William's Equerry Rob with him at the Rugby in Bordeaux, I couldn't help feel a pang for Jonny, probably watching on TV at home, as a big Rugby fan and former Army player. The King was never really one for Sporting Patronages, apart from Equestrian events or Highland Games. So poor Jonny has never had an opportunity to accompany him to watch a big Rugby match. Bless.

Maybe someone will whisper into the King's ear that a Rugby match would be fun and that he must bring Jonny. While a Rugby match has not yet been in the cards, we have lovely memories of how happy Jonny and the King looked at the Lonach Gathering!

 

[Catkin9]

Maybe someone will whisper into the King's ear that a Rugby match would be fun and that he must bring Jonny. While a Rugby match has not yet been in the cards, we have lovely memories of how happy Jonny and the King looked at the Lonach Gathering!

Unfortunately none of the Home Nations have a match in the Rugby World Cup while the King is in France this month! Jonny played Rugby for his University as well.

 

[laurajones123]

Possibly a Jonny sighting tomorrow, until then smiley Jonny and smiley King!

 

[lizle]

Thanks! I saw myself in that a couple of times
At the moment I’m trying to decide if I should pop over to Tomintoul next week to see the King, etc . Will charge up the batteries for the big camera with the proper lenses in case, but as the forecast is currently for rain I expect I will give it a miss unless it changes.

Do you think you will be going to Tomintoul? Hopefully it will not rain! Would love to see any photos you might be able to snap!

 

[La Rhumba]

The King has arrived, but no sign of Jonny.



Not long to go till France.