Me neither - but I think that it's to do with the engraving on the tips. The engraved cypher used when Charles was Prince of Wales should be different from that which he now will use as King. ( I'd say that it would previously have been the Prince of Wales feathers). I can't make out whether this is different and Jonny's Aiguillettes have therefore been renewed - which could mean that he remains as equerry for a longer term.
Lt. Colonel Johnny Thompson of the Scots Guards and Handsome Men In Kilts **Appreciation Thread
- Thread starter Maggie Muggins
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I'm keeping fingers crossed we see Jonny at the Korean State Banquet in November. Many regard his tenure as only one year serving the Monarch, and disregard his previous time as Equerry to the Prince of Wales, so 2 more years to serve the King before a change. Let's hope so! 
I think there’s a visit to Kenya in October so, hopefully, he will be thereI'm keeping fingers crossed we see Jonny at the Korean State Banquet in November. Many regard his tenure as only one year serving the Monarch, and disregard his previous time as Equerry to the Prince of Wales, so 2 more years to serve the King before a change. Let's hope so!
Isn't this a captivating picture of our dearest Jonny! One has to wonder what they were laughing on about! 
Thank you Jessie32 for the closeup pictures. I am confused over everything about the Aiguillettes. There are different styles and colors. I have seen some worn over the left shoulder too. I remember reading somewhere that the King's Equerry's Aiguillettes are identification and a signal. When Jonny askes someone for something, or instructs someone to do something, the Aiguillettes signify that he is speaking with the power of the King behind him. Essentially, speaking on the King's behalf. This is just something I read so it may not be correct.
The crew were singing to him. There is a short video on The Royal Channel on YouTubeIsn't this a captivating picture of our dearest Jonny! One has to wonder what they were laughing on about!
View attachment 5866203
Aiguillettes -
Ok, forgive me if I repeat something or this is too long.
Others can wear aiguillette with a cypher (I’ll post about who separately if wanted ), but of the equerries appointed to various members of the Royal Family, only The Equerry, Extra Equerries, or Temporary Equerry, to the Sovereign are entitled to wear aiguillettes with a cypher.
Therefore as equerry to the (former) Prince of Wales, Jonny would not have been entitled to a cypher on his aiguillettes. (Although he did wear the PoW cypher on his rank slide (shoulder board) as this is permitted. Confused yet?
)However, as previously noted, since becoming The Equerry to the Sovereign, Jonny has yet to be seen wearing Aiguillette with a cypher. Why? Who knows?
For clarity, and so you know what you are looking for, some pics.
Please note, the only close view of aiguillette with cypher available are from the time of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II - obviously as we have yet to have a positive clear sighting of one of the King’s equerries wearing their aiguillette with cypher.
Aiguillette tips with cypher
Aiguillette without cypher (as Jonny currently wears)
Pic of The King - as the former PoW and Aide de Camp to Her Late Majesty - wearing his aiguillette with cypher. Aides de Camp to the Sovereign are also entitled to wear the cypher.
Last edited:
Thanks that’s a lot clearer. Two questions for you please. When Jonny moves on does he keep the Aguillettes or are they handed on to the new Equerry and what is the difference between an Equerry and an Aide-de-Camp.Aiguillettes -
Ok, forgive me if I repeat something or this is too long.
Others can wear aiguillette with a cypher (I’ll post about who separately if wanted ), but of the equerries appointed to various members of the Royal Family, only The Equerry, Extra Equerries, or Temporary Equerry, to the Sovereign are entitled to wear aiguillettes with a cypher.
Therefore as equerry to the (former) Prince of Wales, Jonny would not have had been entitled to a cypher on his aiguillettes. (Although he did wear the PoW cypher on his rank slide (shoulder board) as this is permitted. (Confused yet?
However, as previously noted, since becoming The Equerry to the Sovereign, Jonny has yet to be seen wearing Aiguillette with a cypher. Why? Who knows?
For clarity, and so you know what you are looking for, some pics.
Please note, the only close view of aiguillette with cypher available are from the time of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II - obviously as we have yet to have a positive clear sighting of one of the King’s equerries wearing their aiguillette with cypher.
Aiguillette tips with cypher
View attachment 5866235
Aiguillette without cypher (as Jonny currently wears)
View attachment 5866233
Pic of The King - as the former PoW and Aide de Camp to Her Late Majesty - wearing his aiguillette with cypher. Aides de Camp to the Sovereign are also entitled to wear the cypher.
View attachment 5866236
Can I get back to you tomorrow on the differences/who can wear etc ? Have to be up at sparrow’s song in the morning to ‘pop down’ to Aberdeen for an appointment. Uggh!
Of course. Thanks and have a good day tomorrow
Thank you - I see the difference now !Aiguillettes -
Ok, forgive me if I repeat something or this is too long.
Others can wear aiguillette with a cypher (I’ll post about who separately if wanted ), but of the equerries appointed to various members of the Royal Family, only The Equerry, Extra Equerries, or Temporary Equerry, to the Sovereign are entitled to wear aiguillettes with a cypher.
Therefore as equerry to the (former) Prince of Wales, Jonny would not have had been entitled to a cypher on his aiguillettes. (Although he did wear the PoW cypher on his rank slide (shoulder board) as this is permitted. (Confused yet?
However, as previously noted, since becoming The Equerry to the Sovereign, Jonny has yet to be seen wearing Aiguillette with a cypher. Why? Who knows?
For clarity, and so you know what you are looking for, some pics.
Please note, the only close view of aiguillette with cypher available are from the time of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II - obviously as we have yet to have a positive clear sighting of one of the King’s equerries wearing their aiguillette with cypher.
Aiguillette tips with cypher
View attachment 5866235
Aiguillette without cypher (as Jonny currently wears)
View attachment 5866233
Pic of The King - as the former PoW and Aide de Camp to Her Late Majesty - wearing his aiguillette with cypher. Aides de Camp to the Sovereign are also entitled to wear the cypher.
View attachment 5866236
Thank you for your explanation and marvelous pictures. Very appreciated 
Save travels tomorrow!
Save travels tomorrow!What a delightful photo! That was on board the Royal Yacht Britannia during Scottish week, with the King and Jonny leaving after a boisterous visit with the Yachties! Former crew members who served on the Royal Yacht before it was decommissioned in the late 90s. I think one of the old boys told Jonny to "get out" amidst the melee....in a jokey way!Isn't this a captivating picture of our dearest Jonny! One has to wonder what they were laughing on about!
View attachment 5866203
Thank you RomeGirl, for the interesting information!