Must Read
King Charles III’s Secret Weapon: Major Johnny Thompson
Prince Harry attended the coronation of his father, King Charles III, on Saturday, May 6, without his wife Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Duke of Sussex, who stepped down from his royal duties in 2020 and has been vocal about his family issues, now resides in the United States.
Arriving alone at Westminster Abbey, footage captured him engaging in conversation with his cousins, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, as well as their spouses, Jack Brooksbank and Edoardo Mappalimozzi.
Harry seemed spirited, cracking jokes with the attendees and strolling down the nave as if he were entering a bachelor party in Las Vegas.
However, Harry's demeanor changed when he discovered Major Johnny Thompson, the king's personal close protection, sitting just behind him.
Startled, Harry's expression revealed astonishment.
Although it remains uncertain whether Harry was carrying any recording devices, Major Johnny Thompson had been assigned to sit behind him during the coronation rehearsal as part of the palace's security arrangements.
Positioned one row away from Harry, in the fifth row, the security officer had an unobstructed view of the prince's every move.
Charles takes security seriously, and Major Johnny Thompson's strategic placement exemplifies this.
Blending into the crowd, the security officer made a discreet appearance but was undoubtedly prepared to assist the king, queen consort, and other members of the royal family during the ceremony if necessary.
Fans on Twitter expressed admiration for Major Johnny Thompson's presence, with one user stating, “Is anyone watching Major Johnny Thompson blocking Harry?
He's cool,” and another tweeting, “No lie, I'm so happy to meet Major Johnny Thompson; he'll make Harry cringe.”
So, who is Major Johnny Thompson, and what does an equerry do?
Major Thompson, from the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, serves as King Charles III's equerry, an officer of the royal household who provides assistance to members of the royal family.
As the king's equerry, he meticulously plans and executes the monarch's daily schedule, which includes overseeing carriages, coaches, and Rolls-Royces used during state ceremonies such as trooping the Colour and the state opening of Parliament.
Additionally, Major Thompson is required to attend other public events and maintain close contact with the king.
However, this is not Major Johnny Thompson's first role within the royal household.
He previously served as Queen Elizabeth II's most senior bodyguard after joining the army in 2006, eventually becoming a platoon commander.
He accompanied the queen during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year and joined King Charles and Camilla on their royal visit to Greece in 2021.
Major Thompson hails from Morpeth, Northumberland, and currently resides in Surrey with his wife Caroline, a marketing manager, and their four-year-old son.
Before his military career, he graduated from Aberystwyth University in 2004, majoring in economics and politics with international studies.
During his time at university, he was a member of the Undergraduate Officer Training Corps, as stated on his LinkedIn profile.
In conclusion, Major Johnny Thompson's presence behind Prince Harry during King Charles III's coronation has sparked curiosity and intrigue.
As the king's equerry and a trusted member of the royal household, Major Thompson plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth execution of royal events.
