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

[RomeGirl]

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!

Jonny now has full Regular Commission which entitles him to remain serving until retirement age at 60, not when he is 50.

When an officer commissions it is on a Short Service Commission, usually from 6-12 years

To progress and stay beyond this they must undertake study, training and apply to convert to Intermediate Regular Commission sometime during their first 6 years of service. If they are assessed as with potential and suitable, it will be granted and they will then be entitled to serve for up to 15 years service.

During this period, and again after study, exams, training, and positive continual assessment, they can apply for Regular Commission which entitles them to serve until retirement - if they wish. Achieving Regular Commission is quite difficult and the assessment is quite rigourous. There are limited places for senior officers in the Army so only the best are accepted for Reg Commission.

Jonny converted to IRC at the end of 2010, and became a Career Officer with Regular Commission at the end of 2016.

 

[lizle]

HA! Well, the rules about aiguillette are quite specific - again Mr RomeGirl is responsible for this answer...

Jonny's Aiguillette do not have a cypher on them. Believe me I have tried to spot it! Probably because it is only the Sovereign's Equerry that is entitled to the Royal Cypher, and Jonny wears his 'old' ones from what he was with the former PoW.

An Aiguillette with the late Queen's cypher looked like this -
View attachment 5857482

But a lot of the King's cyphers seem to be in silver not gold - I have no idea why so don't ask!!!

I had to almost break out a magnifying glass to see what Mr RomeGirl was talking about with the 'new' Equerry, but it is JUST visible if you know what you are looking for. I have pointed to the silver bits that can just be seen beneath the bobble (very technical term ) at the top of the tips.

View attachment 5857485

For those interested in the Regs as to who can wear the cypher on their Aiguillette I attach these - again thanks to Mr RomeGirl (he has been busy this evening and earned his pudding!)

See point 10.6 in the 1st pic, and point a. (vii) in the 2nd pic

View attachment 5857504View attachment 5857517View attachment 5857521

I wonder if Jonny will at some point decide to switch over to Aiguillettes with the Royal Cypher although he may well have a sentimental attachment to the one he wears.

 

[RomeGirl]

We love your "soap box" because you have so much knowledge and are willing to take time to answer our questions and help us learn about all things military and Equerry!

You are very welcome! However, I bow in all things military to Mr RomeGirl, who it seems is now being called upon frequently!

 

[RomeGirl]

I wonder if Jonny will at some point decide to switch over to Aiguillettes with the Royal Cypher although he may have a sentimental attachment to the one he wears. I also wonder if he will still be able to wear them in some capacity after he returns to the RRoS.

No aiguillette for him if he is no longer Equerry unless he is appointed a personal Aide-de-Camp, which I would think unlikely until he reaches a higher rank.

 

[lizle]

Again, sorry for the late reply, life gets in the way sometimes.

First re an Equerry serving for 2 different people - Jonny Spencer (then the ) Viscount Althorp, actually served only as Equerry to the Sovereign, but 2 of them sequentially. Not for 1st the PoW THEN the Sovereign, so our Jonny's position is still unique.

Re the funeral medals. These were the RVM (Royal Victorian Medal) an honour, but the lowest rank of the Royal Victorian Order. They were awarded to predominantly ordinary ranks, but in every case to people whose role in the Ceremonial was completely out of the ordinary to their usual duties - definitely above and beyond. None of the senior Royal Household personnel, or senior military participants were awarded with them.

As fo Jonny's honour for serving as Equerry. That will depend on the King.

Usually an Equerry is awarded an MVO (Member of the Royal Victorian Order). Occasionally there has been an LVO awarded (Lieutenant etc).

My personal opinion is that Jonny could receive at least the LVO, or possibly CVO (Commander etc) in recognition of his unique and special service. However, if he leaves the Army and continues to serve as a member of the Royal Household in some capacity, I would expect him to receive a KCVO (Knight Commander etc) in time.

Thank you for such a nice and detailed response. Jonny just seems to stand apart from current and previous Equerries, and even some members of the RH, in a way that I cannot begin to explain. As an observer of videos of Royal media coverage, I see what seems to be a pleasant connection between the King and Jonny when one looks at their body language and facial expressions. It almost seems as if Jonny can read the King's mind and then places himself where the King needs him to be with little to no conversation involved. Working with the King and Queen during Charles' PoW time, and working side-by-side with the King and Queen through all they have endured prior to and after her late Majesty's passing, I would speculate that a very close bond has formed between the three of them. The King surely must see Jonny's dedication and devotion. And, if the King is fond of Jonny I imagine he will see that Jonny is very appropriately recognized for his service in due course. It would be nice to see the honour for Equerry to Charles as PoW being bestowed now rather than wait but that's just my humble personal opinion as an admirer of the RF and our Jonny.

 

[lizle]

No aiguillette for him if he is no longer Equerry unless he is appointed a personal Aide-de-Camp, which I would think unlikely until he reaches a higher rank.

I can easily imagine there are Generals at some level within the RRoS who have their eyes closely on Jonny. Observing how professionally he represents the RRoS in such a dignified manner as THE Equerry (his success, flexibility to the tasks at hand and deportment) they might want to grab him up to be their Aide-de-Camp when the time is right. Although I secretly hope he is invited to remain with the RH and we can continue to watch him and cheer for him from the sidelines!

 

[La Rhumba]

Jonny now has full Regular Commission which entitles him to remain serving until retirement age at 60, not when he is 50.

When an officer commissions it is on a Short Service Commission, usually from 6-12 years

To progress and stay beyond this they must undertake study, training and apply to convert to Intermediate Regular Commission sometime during their first 6 years of service. If they are assessed as with potential and suitable, it will be granted and they will then be entitled to serve for up to 15 years service.

During this period, and again after study, exams, training, and positive continual assessment, they can apply for Regular Commission which entitles them to serve until retirement - if they wish. Achieving Regular Commission is quite difficult and the assessment is quite rigourous. There are limited places for senior officers in the Army so only the best are accepted for Reg Commission.

Jonny converted to IRC at the end of 2010, and became a Career Officer with Regular Commission at the end of 2016.

Thanks so much to you & Mr RomeGirl for all the detailed information.

 

[lizle]

I hope you do not mind if I share another favorite picture of Jonny! I believe this is also from the 2019 "Fit for Role" day when 5 Scots Balaklava was informed they had passed their inspection for London duties.

 

[Francie123]

I wonder if Jonny will at some point decide to switch over to Aiguillettes with the Royal Cypher although he may well have a sentimental attachment to the one he wears.

 

[laurajones123]

Thank goodness! Not to worry about a fainting spell now. Raising a glass with a big thank you to Mr RomeGirl

I guess the usual staff are all working hard to get stuff prepared for France, which is why we have newbies/non regular staff on this walkabout. At least now it is highly likely we will see Jonny in France.

 

[Francie123]

Ladies, your explanations are so detailed and informative. I have learned so much. Since I am a Yank (as my friends in England call me), I am astounded - incredible work.

 

[lizle]

Sorry! Regardless, as you say, he is a hero in a lot of people's eyes. Even if only for the gentle way he took care of the Late Queen during his time as CO of the Balmoral Royal Guard, and during other ceremonial duties with her.

In photographs he seems to completely adore her. How lovely it was for her to invite him to dinner as he described in an interview. I wonder what our late Queen thought of him ... well and with affection, I hope.

 

[lizle]

I guess the usual staff are all working hard to get stuff prepared for France, which is why we have newbies/non regular staff on this walkabout. At least now it is highly likely we will see Jonny in France.

A quick visit to a small local town; what a wonderful way to onboard a new Equerry who was perhaps quite nervous about his first big day, a solo outing with the King, and as a new member of the Royal Household. Let us hope he shined in his new role!

 

[jessie32]

I agree. Can’t see the King taking a new Equerry on an important State visit.

I would almost be prepared to bet this IS the new Part-time equerry.

Hopefully!

How can he be a Lt Col and only have 1 medal ?

 

[jessie32]

No aiguillette for him if he is no longer Equerry unless he is appointed a personal Aide-de-Camp, which I would think unlikely until he reaches a higher rank.

Thank you and MrRomeGirl for all the information and explanations about uniform and protocols. Jonny has certainly promoted them with his exceptional high standards and many more people now are aware of the RRoS. I am sure we will see him in France but after that who can guess. His Majesty is so calm and at ease when Jonny is around so great trust is there. A lot of important decisions to be made but as long as Jonny is happy that’s all that matters. I wish him well ❤️